Images on a Grand Scale

Grandscape in The Colony scores 2nd-ever location of immersive entertainment venue

Rendering of Cosm immersive entertainment venue

Cosm will bring an immersive entertainment venue to Grandscape in The Colony in the near future.

Image courtesy of Cosm

Cosm, which touts itself as a global leader in experiential media and immersive technology, will build its second-ever public entertainment venue at Grandscape in The Colony.

UPDATE (8-2-2024): Cosm will open to the public on Saturday, August 31 with a Shared Reality production of Cirque du Soleil’s O. Following opening weekend, ticketed events include U.S. Open tennis, Premier League soccer matches, and additional college football games throughout September. Tickets are on sale now on Cosm.com or via Cosm’s fully integrated app for Cirque’s O, as well as for a triple-header of marquee Week 1 college football games presented live in Shared Reality which includes Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31), Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame (August 31) and USC vs. LSU (September 1). .
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According to a press release, the venue "will bring entertainment to life through its state-of-the-art technology, seamlessly bridging the gap between virtual and physical realities."

In the announcement on their site about the first venue in Los Angeles, the company says that they use domed and compound curved LED technology so guests can experience immersive content across a variety of programming categories, including live sports and entertainment, experiential events, immersive art, music, and more.

What exactly that will look like or how big the venue will be are somewhat of a mystery at this point, although concept photos and a sizzle reel give some indication. There is no word on when the Grandscape location - which will be in the heart of the mixed-use complex - will open; the Los Angeles venue will soon start construction, with the aim to open in 2024.

The venue is being designed by Dallas-based architects HKS, which designed AT&T Stadium in Arlington, American Airlines Center in Dallas, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, among other major projects.

Grandscape is already home to a variety of entertainment venues, including Immersive Gamebox, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, and Galaxy Theatres.

“We are excited to have Cosm join the Grandscape family," said Jeff Lind, President of Grandscape, in a statement. "This innovative venue will thrill visitors in a true one-of-a-kind immersive experience.”

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Pickleball News

Indoor pickleball concept from Georgia bounces into Frisco

Ace

Pickleball paddles face off.

There's a new indoor pickleball concept coming to Dallas: Called Ace Pickleball Club, it's a growing chain from Georgia, making its Texas debut in Frisco in an old BuyBuy Baby space at at 2930 Preston Rd. #600. According to a release, it opens July 12.

Ace Pickleball was founded in Roswell, Georgia in 2023, and calls itself the only facility of its kind, delivering a member-focused approach and all-inclusive pricing.

Professional-grade cushioned courts and a welcoming community create the optimal playing experience for all skill levels. The chain currently has 15 locations across the U.S. including Colorado, Oklahoma, and Illinois.

They emphasize an inclusive community with unlimited open play, and offer clinics, tournaments, social events, and ball machine reservations. They also offer paddle demos so that members can test out the newest technology from a variety of brands to find their favorite.

When they open, they'll offer free introductory pickleball clinics for beginners to go over the rules of the sport and feel more comfortable as they learn about the game.

Ace Pickleball ClubAce Pickleball Club

Indoor facilities have an advantage in that they're impervious to weather so players can play year-round.

The Frisco location is a nearly 33,000-square-foot facility with 11 full-size courts and one dinking court designed to welcome players of all skill levels. Memberships are $129 monthly with the first month free.

Bringing the concept to Frisco is Juan Menchaca, a former corporate worker who is a pickleball player himself. When he and his wife relocated to the DFW area in May 2023, he brought with him a lifelong dream of opening a sports facility.

Introduced to pickleball by his brother-in-law, who is now training to go pro in pickleball, Menchaca was instantly hooked by the game’s fast pace, simple rules, and strong sense of community.

Opening a dedicated pickleball facility felt like the ideal first serve into the world of sports.

“I saw the demand I knew Ace Pickleball Club was the right fit,” Menchaca says. “The model is perfect for all skill levels across the Frisco community. I’ve always wanted to create something people could rally around, and this not only provides that, but helps in bringing our community closer.”

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