Creative Works brings immersive attractions to new FEC in the Washington D.C. Area

The popular attractions provider Creative Works brought D.C. battle-themed laser tag and the worldwide leading virtual reality system, Hologate Arena, to the highly anticipated FEC in Bowie, Maryland, Party HQ.

Party HQ is a brand new FEC in Maryland, about 12 miles northeast of Washington D.C. Playing off their location, the business’ slogan is “Best party from the beltway to the bay.” 

“We are branding ourselves the hometown family entertainment center. We are born and raised right here in Maryland,” says Party HQ owner Rodney Chambers.

To live up to such a slogan, Party HQ knew they needed strong anchor attractions that provided immersive experiences and replayability. After searching around the market for different attractions to add, Chambers and his crew decided to work with Creative Works to add a custom laser tag and Hologate Arena virtual reality.

Chambers became familiar with Creative Works and their products during the Amusement 360 event back in July 2019. Through education and networking, the event provided Chambers with the knowledge he needed to facilitate the creation of his dream FEC, Party HQ. 

“It was very informative. We learned a lot about what to do, how to do it. Getting a chance to meet other owners and visit different laser tag arenas in the area was really big for us. We learned a whole lot there,” said Chambers about the event.

While Chambers found strong value in the event, it was also a chance for Creative Works to begin formulating a plan for Chambers’ vision. 

“360 gave myself and the Creative Works team the unique and necessary one on one, face to face time to really bring the right people to the table and create a plan of action and timeline that best fit his business plan and project,” commented the project’s Creative Consultant, Athena Symonds from Creative Works.

For the laser tag, Chambers and Party HQ wanted a unique theme that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. They decided on a custom “Urban Battle for D.C.” theme. “I wanted to really capture the essence of Washington D.C.” explains Chambers. 

“Rodney wanted something unique, yet local. Being able to combine so many of the DC monuments, icons, and features really magnified the immersive experience,” said Symonds.

The arena includes custom props for the theme, including White House and Washington Monument props, and a Pentagon platform in the middle of the arena. Another unique aspect of the arena is the bases, which are interactive metro trains, one blue and one red.

Party HQ also wanted plenty of interactive elements in their arena to challenge players and add to the immersive environment. Without a doubt, the highlight of the arena is a large Air Force One prop that hangs from the ceiling and has interactive targets. Players are able to shoot their phasers at the lights on the prop, allowing them to earn more points and providing a challenge outside of the normal player vs. player laser tag battles. 

Symonds called the interactive plane prop “one of the most unique and exciting signature props that we’ve created.” 

Chambers was drawn to Hologate Arena when he got the chance to play it at IAAPA Expo. “There’s no comparison to Hologate right now,” said Chambers. “There’s games for everybody. Playing the Hologate and knowing it was in the hands of Creative Works, it was an easy decision for us.”

In addition to laser tag and Hologate, Party HQ also has bowling, about 50 arcade games, and a restaurant and bar called “The Parent Trap”. 

Party HQ is projected to open in September, 2020.