Smash Park has added a high-tech twist to America’s pastime with a new immersive baseball simulator that’s unlike anything else in Iowa. Powered by Dallas-based sports tech company Batbox, the experience lets guests step into the batter’s box for three-, six-, or nine-inning games, or jump into quick-hit challenges to compete with friends.
“We’re super excited to partner with Smash Park on our immersive baseball experience. This is unlike anything in the state of Iowa,” said Bishop Turon of Batbox. The Des Moines Smash Park location features two simulator boxes, allowing groups to rotate in and out of games and challenges.
Players can choose from international teams — think U.S. vs. Canada and other country matchups — with more customization on the way. In the coming months, Batbox plans to roll out personal avatars and additional game updates as part of its ongoing innovation with Smash Park, one of its first licensed partners. The system is designed for all ages and skill levels, with slower pitch speeds and a simple learning curve: watch a few pitches, get comfortable, then start swinging.
What else changed at Smash Park?
The simulator adds to Smash Park’s already stacked lineup of social games on the east side of the complex, where guests can move from the batting box to oversized party-play staples like Giant Connect 4, foosball, classic ping-pong and axe-throwing, creating an all-evening playground for groups and leagues alike.
“We removed a wall to expand the axe-throwing area, increasing capacity for private events,” said Francesca Townsend, director of marketing for Smash Park Entertainment Group. “We also reconfigured our game zones to accommodate more guests while keeping the fun intact.”
What’s on the menu at Smash Park?
Food is very much part of the draw. In the kitchen, hot wings get the full treatment: they’re beer-brined for 24 hours in a gluten-free brine, rubbed with a house barbecue rub, then smoked over hardwood for deep flavor.
The menu also includes crispy chicken fingers and house pickle balls, a Buffalo chicken dip, plus a sweet cherry with smoked bacon option that layers smoke and sweetness.
Where to find Smash Park
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Smash Park debuts Iowa’s first immersive baseball simulator experience
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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