From the makers of *those* toy guns (that annoy the heck out of everyone who’s encountered a child with one), a brand new IRL laser gun experience is coming to Manchester – and it sounds like a whole lotta fun. Opening as a joint collaboration between Hasbro (the owners of Nerf) and Rocafella Leisure Group, the new site is opening in Trafford Palazzo in the summer of 2023, with the Manchester location marking the start of a UK-wide rollout of NERF Action Xperience (NAX) venues over the next five years.
Combining ‘laser guns’ and ‘virtual interactions’, the brand new leisure complex promises to be “an immersive, action-packed activity for families and NERF fans of all ages”, aiming to become become “a brand leader in the world of family entertainment and leisure attractions”. Each NAX centre provides guests with a multitude of NERF fuelled indoor activities to explore, exhilarate and excite.
The brand has seen huge success with a similar leisure complex in Singapore – which was the world’s first-ever Nerf Action Xperience complex back in 2019. NAX will transform the the 35,000 sq ft unit located close to Primark in the former Barton Square into a complex of fun, family-friendly spot consisting of three different zones to activate those ultimate NERF adventures in a purpose-built and immersive environment.
The competition zone allows groups to battle it out with different NERF blasters in three immersive themed arenas. The sports zone features a huge atrium of NERF-related sports challenges including basketball and football volley. Finally, there is a dedicated training zone to hone players targeting skills, truly providing something for everyone.
Plus, in order to refuel after an exhilarating NERF battle or grab a bite whilst watching friends and family participate, Amer Rafiq, co-founder of Archie’s, which has five venues in Manchester, has confirmed that the brand will be providing guests at the attraction with their American-inspired menu.
Rafiq said: “Working together with NAX we have taken our iconic pink restaurants and fused it with the family fun-fuelled values of NERF to create a unique dining experience, particularly for parties and celebrations. We can’t wait for next summer to open our doors and bring you Archie’s and Nerf under one roof exclusive at NAX – and guess what it’s here in Manchester first!”
Chris Hayes, Chief Executive of Rocafella Leisure Group, said: “We want NERF Action Experience to become a brand leader in the world of family entertainment and leisure attractions. Offering something different for the people of Manchester, and beyond, to visit during the week, weekends and in the holidays.
“We are delighted to be working with such a forward thinking landlord who has been instrumental in sharing our vision in bringing this to the North West’s capital. Our intention is to become a beacon of innovation, dynamic customer service and an all round provider of fun-fuelled activities for all ages that inspire the youth of today to stay active.
“This first opening will mark the start of multiple NAX venues popping up across the country and overseas over the next five to ten years. Not only are we creating a place for families, and adults, to experience NERF beyond their own homes, we will transport them to an immersive space where they can play with the freedom to challenge, compete, and take home bragging rights – if they wish!”