By Kristin Dudley
What’s at Area 54? It won’t be long until anyone can be. Area 54 is an upcoming exciting and unique experience for residents and visitors to the area which will feature the exhilaration of laser tag. With various low-lit set ups, participants will be able to run up stairs and crouch behind barriers for a little bit of ‘pew pew’ action for fun and games.
The area was in need of a fun recreational activity. The goal is to also promote tourism to Chillicothe and promote the economy for all residents. Area 54 is also focused not only on providing an exciting adventure for all patrons in the community, but to also make safety a priority for all visitors.
The anticipated new venue will provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages. It is a tactical laser tag experience that will be fully customizable. There are new technologies that will be implemented in the game play and there will be various game modes and missions that can be experienced using equipment that’s realistic. There’s bridges, balconies, buildings, and more in the battle area.
Visitors will be basically playing a real-life video game. Memberships are available through Mothership Memberships which will include 54 free sessions each year, Area 54 merchandise, and several competitive opportunities. For anyone interested in just testing it out, there are also monthly memberships.
When mission agendas are completed at the venue, prizes will be awarded and it is possible to achieve the Area 54’s Top Assassin game honor. The gameplay is approximately 88 cents per minute per hour played. What makes the activity different is that it is laser tag but inside a real-life video game module. Players in groups of anywhere from one to 32 can compete inside the 9,200 square foot play arena. There are numerous taggers, wireless sensors, and other special equipment to make the event an adventure
While the site, located at the former Lamber Glove Factory building, was anticipated to make a grand launch in October, inspections have been underway to ensure all last-minute features are up to code and ready to go. It has been a work in progress since May this year but the first phase with a transformation began late in 2023. It has since undergone numerous changes while maintaining an old warehouse feel of the old industrial park area. Another phase is projected in the future which would make the course of the game even more complicated and interactive.
Area 54 will also be providing E.T.’s which are Eats and Treats and include hot dogs, nachos, drinks, and frozen rolled custom ice cream. Group discounts are also offered for the venue. The more people that play and the longer people play, the larger the discount. Sessions can be booked for 30 or 60 minutes via phone or online. Appointment booking sessions are required to be a 30-minute minimum session. Single missions are available for walk-in customers during open play hour. Open play begins every 20 minutes.
Upon arrival to a scheduled appointment, equipment will be awaiting patrons along with a special Code Name that is customized per guest. Any extra time before a mission can be spent in a testing range in the case that tagger changes are needed.
It is encouraged to make reservations in advance at Area 54 to fully customize the experience and play at a discounted rate rather than an individual rate. It is possible to book anytime online at www.area54tactical.com.
Area 54 will also be booking parties including birthday parties. There will also be discounted meal deals and party packages available. Parties, events, and appointments can be scheduled online 24/7 except on blackout dates. They are only available beyond outside operating hours so the experience can be catered specifically to the party guests.
Hours of operation for open play will be Tuesday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday hours are 4-10 p.m., Sunday’s open hours are 3-9 p.m. and it is closed to the public for open play on Mondays.
While there are no age restrictions on game play at Area 54, it is a requirement that younger participants under the age of 7 be accompanied by an adult for supervision. All participants must complete a signed waiver before participating in tactical activities.
Single game play for 15 minutes is $15; a 30 minute time slot for two games is $25, and four games over the time frame of an hour is $45.
Area 54 is located at 103 Elm Street in Chillicothe. Call 660-214-9054 to speak to someone or use 816-673-8253 for text only. Other inquiries can be submitted via email at [email protected].
