On July 26, 2017 Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf and and Cineplex announced a partnership to Bring Sports Entertainment Venues to Canada. At the time they said multiple Topgolf venues in markets across the country will open during the next several years.
In the 2017 press release Topgolf said “Throughout the years, Canada has been the top-requested country among our fans asking us to expand outside the United States,” said Topgolf Entertainment Group Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson. “We’re thrilled to continue our growth in North America and introduce Topgolf as a destination for entertainment and socializing where Canadians can play golf even when there’s snow on the ground.”
Through the premium experience of play, food and music, Topgolf inspires people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. Guests can enjoy point scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots on a TV screen in their hitting bay. Topgolf locations are typically three-level, 65,000-square-foot venues that feature a chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs and music in climate-controlled hitting bays for all-seasons comfort. Year-round programming includes events for kids and families, social leagues, groups, golf tournaments and instruction.
Cineplex will manage the venues’ day to day operations, working closely with Topgolf to ensure the best guest experience in Canada.
Over the past few years since the announcement in 2017, Cineplex has not responded to our requests for an update on their progress with Topgolf. During the PGA Show in Orlando last year, we stopped by the Topgolf booth to see if we could find out additional information, but their media people were unable to answer our questions or provide any information on Canada.
In a recent article in the Toronto Star (November 21, 2019), Ellis Jacob, the company’s chief executive officer, said they were convinced the future of theatre going is still bright and bustling, and that the world of entertainment has much more than just movies to offer. Cineplex wants to be an “entertainment destination” with its Rec Room and Playdium restaurant arcade complexes and forthcoming Topgolf launch.
To read the Toronto Star article visit: https://www.thestar.com/business/2019/11/21/cineplexs-ceo-sees-life-beyond-netflix-and-a-future-with-high-tech-golf.html
In the article, Jacob was asked about how the preparations were going? Jacob said “We’re quite excited about the concept. The challenge is always getting the right location, the right piece of real estate and having it become part of our entertainment brand right across Canada. It’s really important that we create that experience. The location is very much like the Roundhouses is to the Rec Room”.
He went on to say “they are looking at a year and a half from now because it takes a while. You’ve got to build a building. You’ve got a lot of work. It’s not something that you can just lay out and get started”.
Next year will be three years since the announcement. Let’s hope works begins shortly and Cineplex can join the rest of the golf industry in growing the game in Canada.
