Plenty of industries were severely hit by the pandemic in 2020 with consumer-facing businesses such as location-based entertainment (LBE) venues closed for most of the year. LBE specialist Sandbox VR was one such business, declaring bankruptcy and then reemerging at the end of the year. Today, Sandbox VR has announced its plans for 2021 which include opening its first location in Las Vegas.
Sandbox VR plans on opening the location in Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas early this summer, whilst looking to operate 15 locations by the end of the year. The company’s virtual reality (VR) full-body custom range from Amber Sky 2088 where you have to defend the Earth from Alien swarms or Curse of Davey Jones with an adventure on the high seas.
“As one of the leading retail and entertainment destinations on The Strip, Grand Canal Shoppes is excited to bring Sandbox VR to guests this summer,” said Janet LaFevre, senior marketing manager of Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort in a statement. “This is one of the many immersive new experiences The Shoppes has to offer and we look forward to bringing our guests even more offerings to discover new ways to indulge while enjoying a brief break from reality while visiting our destination this year.”
Sandbox VR currently has several locations open including Chicago and Austin, which have seen increased demand of 30% from before the pandemic. To encourage footfall its locations are ensuring complete sanitization of equipment and private rooms for each group as well as limiting bookings to reduce contact between groups and mask-wearing at all times.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have been able to survive such a devastating year for everyone in the retail and entertainment industry,” said Steve Zhao, founder and CEO of Sandbox VR. “The pandemic has been so isolating for everyone that we are confident once it is safe to gather with friends and family from different households they will be looking for social experiences that offer some fun and escape from the difficulties that 2020 brought.”
As Sandbox VR continues to bounce back and remain positive, VRFocus will keep you updated.