If you have been in the north metro at all in the last few months, you may have noticed a new building off of 694 near 252 with large nets behind it. It’s called TOPGOLF and it’s opening this Friday, September 21st!
It’s the first Minnesota location for TOPGOLF, opening at 9 a.m. Friday in Brooklyn Center. The new three-level, 65,000-square-foot venue is the company’s 46th location worldwide.
I had the super exciting opportunity to attend a special preview event last week, and was over-the-moon impressed.
I had no idea what to expect or how many people would be there. I arrive right at the beginning and the huge parking lot was already filling up.
At the entrance, there was a line of people who had also received the invite, including people from the media, area businesses, and even local sports teams like the Minnesota Vikings. We checked in and were put in small tour groups that started every few minutes.
The tour was fabulous. We zipped through the building, walking through this lower lounge first, with its HDTVs, Wi-Fi, and games like pool tables and shuffleboard.
There were two private event spaces that can be used individually or together for a capacity of 250 guests. The lighting was just dynamic (these pictures don’t do justice to this place).
There are also other spaces that can be reserved, making this place ideal for work parties and other special events.
Then we saw the bays! There are over 100 climate-controlled hitting bays on 3 levels.
Like Golf Meets Bowling
Each bay is just like you’d find in a bowling alley, but open air and, of course, for golf.
The whole place functioned a lot like if you went bowling – each group of up to 6 players (with room for 2 more for sitting) could take turns hitting the golf ball out into the open air “range.”
There were various games and zones to aim for, and your score is tracked by microchip technology.
And YES – it’s possible to hit the balls to the very far end of the range! You just have to use a bigger club – there were many sizes to pick from.
I hit a few balls further than I thought I could – I was proud!
I also enjoyed some great food that was served to all of us.
Oh, and they of course had many beverages. I’m not much of a drinker, but I tried a pineapple punch that was OUT OF THIS WORLD.
When I left, I even got a complimentary ride to my car in a golf cart!
My Thoughts?
This place is unique, for sure. I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. It was so organized and all the staff were so helpful (they have 500+ employees!). The whole experience was so fun, and it’s a great place to socialize, hang out with friends or family, eat some good food, and of course, play a game or two.
I think the cost can add up fast, between playing a game and eating food, but if you’re going with a group of people, you can save money by just splitting the cost of the bay, and sharing some appetizers. I think everyone can enjoy it here – whether you play golf or not.
Is TOPGOLF kid-friendly?
I asked our tour guide this question. She said ABSOLUTELY! Kids are welcome, though prices are the same for all ages (you pay per bay, not per person). But they do also have special fun for kids like a free kids meal for ages 12 and under on their birthday if they sign up for the KidZone.
Is it seriously year-round?
Yes – they have heating in the bays and everything is climate-controlled. Yeah – it will be a fun place to visit in the winter! I’m curious to check it out then too. The tour guide basically said it will be warm and comfortable enough inside to play but don’t expect to be able to wear shorts and flip-flops.
Pricing
You pay per bay, per hour. You can have up to 6 people play in your bay, and there’s room for a total of 8 to sit.
Rates are:
$25 per hour (Open to Noon)
$35 per hour (Noon – 5pm)
$45 per hour (5pm – Close)
Morning, clearly, is the cheapest time to go.
About TOPGOLF:
Through the premium experience of play, food and beverage 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 venues feature a chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs, flexible private event spaces 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.
The new Brooklyn Center venue is located at 6420 North Camden Avenue.
If you’re interested in learning more, visit their website. They have 360 degree interactive views and many pictures.