FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRES
- Sports Simulator
- 1 hour ago
- 8 min read
HOW SPORTS SIMULATORS HELP FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRES ATTRACT, ENGAGE AND RETAIN GUESTS
Introduction to Family Entertainment Centres
Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) have evolved rapidly over the past decade. Once dominated by arcades and soft‑play areas, these venues now embrace high‑tech attractions, gourmet food and sociable spaces that appeal to everyone from young children to grandparents. The shift is driven by changing consumer expectations: people want experiences that are memorable, sharable and physically engaging. A thriving FEC must therefore offer more than a place to sit and watch; it must encourage guests to participate, move and connect with each other.
This blog explores why FECs are investing in active attractions, how sports simulators fit into this trend, and what operators can do to maximise revenue and visitor satisfaction. By the end, you'll understand why sport‑based entertainment is becoming a cornerstone of modern leisure and how you can use it to elevate your venue.
The Rise of Experience‑Led Entertainment
A booming market
The global FEC market is expanding at a remarkable pace. Analysts forecast steady growth over the next decade as families prioritise experiences over material goods. FECs have become go‑to destinations for birthday parties, school outings, corporate team‑building and everyday socialising. This surge is fuelled by urbanisation, and a cultural shift towards spending on leisure. As a result, operators must differentiate their offerings to capture attention and encourage repeat visits.
From passive to active engagement
In the past, FECs primarily offered passive entertainment such as arcades and redemption games. Today’s visitors expect far more interaction. Social media has popularised “experience‑driven” activities; customers want to take photos, share videos and demonstrate their skills. Parents in particular look for attractions that encourage children to move, develop coordination and build confidence. Active entertainment – including trampolines, climbing walls and sport simulators – addresses these needs by blending physical activity with fun.
Healthy play for all ages
Modern families are more health‑conscious than ever. Parents are acutely aware of the importance of exercise but often struggle to find activities that entertain their children while also keeping them active. FECs can fill this gap by providing equipment and attractions that make exercise feel like play. When adults see their children running, jumping or swinging a bat in a safe environment, they feel comfortable staying longer and returning regularly.
Sports Simulators: A New Anchor Attraction
What makes a sports simulator special?
Sports simulators are high‑tech systems that recreate the experience of playing real sports in a controlled indoor environment. They use projectors or large screens to display realistic sporting stadiums and virtual golf courses, while high speed camera's track the speed, direction and spin of the sporting object & player’s movements. Players use real balls or clubs, so the physical actions are authentic, making it more immersive than button‑pressing video games.
The sport simulator offers 100 sports, from football, rugby, golf, cricket, tennis, baseball, archery and even padel and pickleball, ensuring a broad appeal. This variety means each visit feels different; families can try new sports each time, friends can compete across different challenges and even serious athletes can practice specific skills. Variety is key to driving repeat visits because guests know there will always be something new to try.
Interactive social play
Unlike passive entertainment, sports simulators encourage participants to take turns, cheer each other on and share victories. The large screen and realistic sound effects create a lively atmosphere that draws in spectators. Leaderboards, multiplayer modes and skill challenges foster friendly rivalry between groups. The result is a social hub where laughter, competition and camaraderie abound. This communal energy keeps guests on site longer, increasing the likelihood that they will purchase food, drinks and additional sessions.
Realism and accessibility
Sports Simulator use sophisticated camera tracking technology to measure every kick, swing or throw accurately. The feedback is instant: a football flies into the virtual goal with realistic trajectory, a golf ball lands on a virtual green with convincing roll, and a cricket shot arcs over a simulated boundary. Despite this realism, the systems are intuitive and accessible to novices. Adjustable difficulty settings allow children and beginners to play confidently, while advanced options challenge more skilled players. This broad appeal ensures that everyone from six‑year‑olds to adults finds the experience rewarding.
The Business Case for Sports Simulators
Extending dwell time
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a sports simulator is its impact on dwell time. When guests stay longer, they spend more on refreshments, merchandise and additional activities. Sport simulators naturally extend visits because they invite players to take turns and watch others. A group might arrive thinking they’ll play for half an hour, then find themselves absorbed in multiple games as they compete for the highest score. Meanwhile, other family members and friends purchase food and drinks while cheering them on.
Extended stays also open opportunities for upselling. You might offer premium game modes, extra time slots, or higher difficulty levels for a small fee. Combined with a thoughtful F&B offering, these incremental purchases significantly boost revenue.
Multiple revenue streams
A multi‑sport simulator generates income in several ways. At the most basic level, visitors pay per game or per timed session. Group bookings and private hire sessions command higher rates and can be packaged with food, drink and exclusive use of the equipment. Corporate team‑building events and birthday parties are particularly lucrative; they often include full catering and additional entertainment, resulting in high average spend per head.
Beyond direct payments, simulators can attract sponsorship and advertising revenue. Virtual perimeter boards, scoreboard branding and bespoke challenges can promote local businesses or national brands. Operators can also host tournaments and leagues, encouraging repeat visits and long‑term engagement.
Flexible installation and space optimisation
Sports simulators are surprisingly adaptable. They can be installed in under‑utilised corners, converted conference rooms or purpose‑built bays. Depending on the model, they can occupy as little as a few square metres, making them ideal for venues of all sizes. With careful planning, a simulator can convert idle space into a profit centre without interfering with existing attractions. Because the equipment is self‑contained and requires minimal building work, installation can often be completed quickly and with limited disruption.
Brand customisation and lifetime updates
Simulators offer extensive customisation options. Venue owners can display their logo on virtual advertising boards, integrate messaging into the gameplay and promote seasonal offers on digital screens. This builds brand awareness and provides additional advertising real estate. the Sports Simulator also include free lifetime software updates for life. New sports, venues and challenges are added regularly, ensuring the attraction remains fresh and appealing without additional investment.
Improving your centre’s reputation
Offering high‑quality, innovative attractions helps FECs stand out in a crowded marketplace. When visitors have memorable experiences, they leave positive reviews and recommend the venue to friends and family. Word‑of‑mouth remains a powerful marketing tool, and social media shares amplify your reach even further. A sports simulator creates photogenic moments: a child scoring a winning goal or a group celebrating a hole‑in‑one, which guests often capture and post online. This free publicity positions your centre as a modern, exciting destination.
Seamless Integration with Food and Drink
Design for synergy
For maximum commercial impact, integrate your sports simulator with your dining offer. Position it near the bar or café so players and spectators can easily order food and drinks without leaving the action. Install comfortable seating around the play area, allowing families to relax while keeping an eye on the game. Provide tables large enough for pizzas, burgers and sharing platters so groups can dine together.
Themed menus and promotions
Tie food and drink offerings to the sports experiences. Create special menus that align with popular sports events, such as “Champions’ Burgers,” “Victory Wings” or “Grand Slam Sundaes.” Offer combo deals that bundle game time with meals, encouraging guests to stay longer and spend more. During major tournaments or local sporting events, run promotions that incentivise visitors to watch and play at your venue rather than at home.
Maximise per‑head spend
Research shows that food and beverage sales often represent a significant portion of FEC revenue. By extending dwell time with active attractions, you create more occasions for guests to order beverages, snacks and desserts. Train staff to upsell premium drinks and desserts, and ensure your menu caters to a range of dietary preferences. Well‑timed offers – such as a discounted round of drinks for winners – can drive additional purchases.
Health and Well‑Being Benefits
Encouraging physical activity
At a time when children and adults alike spend many hours on screens, sports simulators encourage movement and coordination. Kicking a ball, swinging a cricket bat or driving a golf shot engages muscles and improves motor skills. Guests may not even realise they’re exercising because they’re focused on scoring goals or beating their friends’ scores. Parents appreciate venues where their children are active rather than sedentary, and teens enjoy the sense of freedom and accomplishment that comes with physical play.
Positive mental health effects
Physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Group play also fosters social connections and teamwork. A family cheering each other on or a group of friends competing in a friendly tournament builds bonds and creates lasting memories. These experiences contribute to overall well‑being, making guests more likely to associate your venue with positivity and fun.
Inclusive for all abilities
Sports Simulator can be configured for different skill levels and physical abilities. Children, adults and older visitors can all participate by adjusting the difficulty settings or choosing appropriate sports. For guests with mobility issues, certain games can be played while seated, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. This inclusivity broadens your customer base and positions your centre as an accessible entertainment destination.
Tips for Successful Implementation
Plan your layout
Visibility is critical. Make sure the simulator can be seen from the entrance or main circulation area to entice guests as soon as they arrive. Consider adding signage or large displays that advertise available sports and game modes. Ensure there is enough space behind the hitting or kicking area for safe play and comfortable spectator seating.
Train and empower staff
Staff should be comfortable operating the simulator, explaining settings and assisting guests. Friendly, knowledgeable staff enhance the experience and encourage visitors to try new games. Provide training sessions covering safety protocols, troubleshooting and customer service. Empower team members to make recommendations, sell upgrades and promote upcoming tournaments or events.
Promote group bookings
Sports simulators are perfect for group events. Create packages for birthdays, corporate outings and school trips that include game time, food, drink and reserved seating. Offer loyalty programmes or multi‑visit passes to encourage repeat business. Publicise successes – such as a corporate league night or a high‑score leaderboard – through your social channels and in‑venue displays.
Keep it fresh
Rotate games and challenges regularly to maintain interest. Introduce new sports or limited‑time challenges tied to seasonal events, holidays or major tournaments. Celebrate guest achievements by displaying high scores or champion photos on a Wall of Fame. Use email campaigns or push notifications to let previous visitors know about new features and upcoming events.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Family Entertainment Centres have entered a new era. Guests are looking for active, memorable experiences that combine fun, fitness and social interaction. Sports simulators deliver precisely that, making them a compelling addition to any venue. They increase dwell time, diversify revenue streams and enhance your brand’s reputation as a modern, exciting destination.
If you’re ready to transform your centre and stand out from competitors, consider investing in a multi‑sport simulator. It’s a scalable, flexible solution that appeals to all ages and encourages repeat visits. To learn more about how a sports simulator can work for your business, explore our dedicated page on Family Entertainment Centres and discover what’s possible.
Contact Us Today
Email: sales@sportssimulator.com
Phone: +44 (0) 1306 741888
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