Somewhat funny story about this place and the Mini-Golf coming in. I went to the OkGo concert at the Diamond Ballroom the other day. Both the bassist and the lead singer were asked what they have enjoyed about OKC on their trip so far. They both said they wished they could have found an arcade type place with laser tag and putt-putt. They said they were staying downtown. Now obviously, we all know about Andy Alligators, Hey-Day, Main Event, D&B, LazerQuest, Cactus Jacks and the like, but they had no clue. I think the combination of this and Putt-Putt is going to do incredibly well. Add in the retail and restaurant, plus the general aesthetics of this place in Bricktown. This is an actual TOURIST attraction in Bricktown, which we have very little of. When I first heard about this coming in, I wasn't exactly bummed out, but just sort of thought, "Oh boy, ANOTHER laser tag." Then I started talking to people not from Oklahoma, and this is probably the most talked about thing.

I might be alone on this, but I would LOVE to see the talked about Starflyer on the adjacent corner. Have that going, Laser Tag, and Putt-Putt. That would make for a pretty entertaining block. Obviously, I want more of a mid-rise style building where the Putt-Putt is going, but for the time being, its not a bad idea at all.

^

You are not alone about the Starfyler. I always thought it was a great idea (as a 2-3 year temp solution) and even more so now with these two projects right next door.

Unfortunately, the proprietor has moved on after lots of opposition.

We need an outdoor go-kart track. I still can't believe there isn't one other than celebration station. Downtown is overdue for mini-golf and go karts.. At least we are getting one.

We need an outdoor go-kart track. I still can't believe there isn't one other than celebration station. Downtown is overdue for mini-golf and go karts.. At least we are getting one.

Oh man, I don't know if you have ever been to/through Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but they have or had a massive go-kart track. Something like three stories tall. It might have been a couple of tracks mixed in, its been a couple of years since I have been. Anyway, it was pretty awesome. That would be a definite win. As cool as it would be around Bricktown, a go-kart track around the river would be pretty excellent too.

Oh man, I don't know if you have ever been to/through Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but they have or had a massive go-kart track. Something like three stories tall. It might have been a couple of tracks mixed in, its been a couple of years since I have been. Anyway, it was pretty awesome. That would be a definite win. As cool as it would be around Bricktown, a go-kart track around the river would be pretty excellent too.

Yeah, something like this is needed. If not downtown, at least somewhere in the metro. They have, or had, a pretty good sized one like what you mention in Branson and I've thought one like that has been long overdue here. We definietly need something bigger than what's at Celebration Station.

Branson has a few three-level go-kart tracks. I don't remember how big the one in Pigeon Forge is, but I remember it being similar. I've done the go-karts in Branson a few times, and it's a blast. We could definitely use something like that here.

Somewhat funny story about this place and the Mini-Golf coming in. I went to the OkGo concert at the Diamond Ballroom the other day. Both the bassist and the lead singer were asked what they have enjoyed about OKC on their trip so far. They both said they wished they could have found an arcade type place with laser tag and putt-putt. They said they were staying downtown. Now obviously, we all know about Andy Alligators, Hey-Day, Main Event, D&B, LazerQuest, Cactus Jacks and the like, but they had no clue. I think the combination of this and Putt-Putt is going to do incredibly well. Add in the retail and restaurant, plus the general aesthetics of this place in Bricktown. This is an actual TOURIST attraction in Bricktown, which we have very little of. When I first heard about this coming in, I wasn't exactly bummed out, but just sort of thought, "Oh boy, ANOTHER laser tag." Then I started talking to people not from Oklahoma, and this is probably the most talked about thing.

I might be alone on this, but I would LOVE to see the talked about Starflyer on the adjacent corner. Have that going, Laser Tag, and Putt-Putt. That would make for a pretty entertaining block. Obviously, I want more of a mid-rise style building where the Putt-Putt is going, but for the time being, its not a bad idea at all.


We need an outdoor go-kart track. I still can't believe there isn't one other than celebration station. Downtown is overdue for mini-golf and go karts.. At least we are getting one.

People don't realize the true value of these types of entities when talking about simple entertainment until it's gone, or you simply never had it.
These are things that will keep people busy, and people who are wanting something quick and fun to do to either kill time, or to just try it out.

The more this development and the mini golf comes along, the more excited I am. And I can't determine if it's because I'm glad we're finally seeing a couple barren spots filled in, or if it's because what's being developed is affordable entertainment for the locals and visitors alike, or both.

The Star Flyer would honestly be a decent addition to the area. It would help keep the view of BT being all ages friendly with the constant mix of bars, restaurants, etc. It's an entertainment district and should remain that. Now, that isn't to say that maybe some parts shouldn't or couldn't develop into legitimate neighborhoods...

Time to Kill = TOURISM!!!

Totally agree with the above posters, Bricktown does need to focus on its Tourist appeal. Sure there's lots to do and it is probably mostly filled with tourists than locals, but its true that it doesn't have the Tourist draw like other places and Brickopolis will very likely help solve this.

I also agree about the put put golf but I think the current location should be moved down to lower bricktown along the canal there. Perfect solution, get a tourist (Kill Time) attraction, along the canal, and help FILL IN lower bricktown with people actually doing something besides parking their cars. Hopefully this might be the long term goal as the current location is far too valuable for golf to continue to exist but it IS 'needed'.

Add a velodrone, dirt bike track, surfing, and maybe an indoor alpine area to the river then link that to Bricktown with hotels, restaurants, bars, movies, mini-golf, go-carts, baseball, and the Sky Flyer and you have a destination that people from Dallas to Kansas City would be interested in visiting for a very fun weekend. Just not sure the AICC fits into the area. Maybe it should be repurposed into some adventure attraction to add to the River/adventure theme.

[QUOTE=Pete;885981]^

You are not alone about the Starfyler. I always thought it was a great idea (as a 2-3 year temp solution) and even more so now with these two projects right next door.

Unfortunately, the proprietor has moved on after lots of opposition.[/QUOTE

I think it was timing on the developers presentation. I wish I could get ahold of this guy I bet a 10 to 1 odds the Dowtown Design Committee and City Council will allow the Starflyer. Now it is not to far fetched with Brickopollis, The Ballpark the Mini Golf the Bowling Alley, The movie theater it would fit in nicely now with attractions in Bricktown.

I think it would all just depend on how it's done. If it was more of a show piece with ornate features and elaborate lighting, I think it could be very cool and more than just an amusement ride, sort of in the same vein as the ferris wheel concept in wheeler district. If it looked like just another portable ride on the state fair midway and not well maintained, then it could end up a negative. I don't remember how far the concept got, but I imagine the initial negative reaction was due to the concerns that it would be more like the latter.

Does Chris Johnson own that corner? I'm thinking a star flyer that was part of the Brickopolis operation would have an even better chance of success as it could be operated and maintained by that group.

^Yes those are my exact thoughts on the Star Flyer. I was really worried it would look like a ride from a parking lot carnival.

There is a dirt/mountain bike track in the Riversport Park, and it looks crazy fun, but maybe you meant motorcycles.

There is a dirt/mountain bike track in the Riversport Park, and it looks crazy fun.

Yeah, I love looking at the plans for that. As someone said, if we could tie the Riversport area into Bricktown, to create a full recreational area, that would be outstanding. I would actually love to see them build another Water Taxi stop at the other end of the canal, right at the river and boathouses. That way you could get on/off there, hang out near the river, then head back to Bricktown for dinner/parking. That would be a pretty swell way to tying it all in.

I think it would all just depend on how it's done. If it was more of a show piece with ornate features and elaborate lighting, I think it could be very cool and more than just an amusement ride, sort of in the same vein as the ferris wheel concept in wheeler district. If it looked like just another portable ride on the state fair midway and not well maintained, then it could end up a negative. I don't remember how far the concept got, but I imagine the initial negative reaction was due to the concerns that it would be more like the latter.

Does Chris Johnson own that corner? I'm thinking a star flyer that was part of the Brickopolis operation would have an even better chance of success as it could be operated and maintained by that group.

I thought it was Avis Scaramucci ?

There is a dirt/mountain bike track in the Riversport Park, and it looks crazy fun, but maybe you meant motorcycles.

I was thinking motor to add to the mix. Anything really that is in the sports genre to fill in the area as the RiverSports/Adventure Zone. Visitors to the city would spend the day in that area, running rapids, surfing, rowing, biking, motor biking, ziplining, etc. At night they hang in Bricktown, eating, drinking, watching baseball, playing mini-golf, go-karting, catching a movie, riding the Star Flyer, etc. It really is a great concept for the whole region, and we are almost there. The indoor Alpine hill would be a killer addition. Archery and shooting ranges could be a good addition too. I could see OKC as a destination for Dallas, KC, Tulsa, and all surroundings for weekends and family get aways, if you add in the zoo, science museum, Frontier City, and shopping, easily 3-4 days of fun.

I just think a museum doesn't fit in the concept on the river, and maybe it could be repurposed into some fun feature. It is so costly, but it might serves as a center for some sports activity in fill in the whole River region with activities.

The corner is owned by Avis Scaramucci, correct. Regarding the mix of people who use Bricktown, it is not accurate to say that it is mostly tourists, though fair to say that many more tourists frequent Bricktown than any other district. Depending upon your definition of "local", I would say that users are still well over half local, but the "locals" in Bricktown are drawn from deeper into the suburbs and bedroom communities than those frequenting other districts. So lots of people from places like Edmond, MWC, Yukon, etc. There are lots of users in Bricktown who are business users (either travelers or locals going for business dinners, etc.).

I thought it was Avis Scaramucci ?

OK, thanks. Not sure if he has any interest in pursuing it anymore, but maybe if he and Johnson worked on it together, it might have a warmer reception at this point. Of course, I wouldn't fault him for not wanting to go another round with it either.

Avis is a lady. :)

Avis is a lady. :)

Oops. Pardon me, madam.

From yesterday:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/brickopolis052315.jpg

Pretty sure this was answered already but asking for clarification now that we have a visual, does the little attached side building with the window replace the standalone structure used for water taxi tickets at present?

Pretty sure this was answered already but asking for clarification now that we have a visual, does the little attached side building with the window replace the standalone structure used for water taxi tickets at present?

It does not. The Water Taxi ticket booth will be moved back to its original location and receive an updated brick finish to more closely match the Brickopolis building. It will be on the NE corner of Brickopolis, directly in front.

It does not. The Water Taxi ticket booth will be moved back to its original location and receive an updated brick finish to more closely match the Brickopolis building. It will be on the NE corner of Brickopolis, directly in front.

How would you know

It does not. The Water Taxi ticket booth will be moved back to its original location and receive an updated brick finish to more closely match the Brickopolis building. It will be on the NE corner of Brickopolis, directly in front.

Ah, good to know, thanks!

Just a guess

How would you know

:LolLolLol

Canal side sign going up: https://twitter.com/dtokcbuilds/status/610524215431663616

10939

Ewww bad sign is bad.

What's the "U" for?

Brickopolis University?

What's the "U" for?

Brickopolis University?

It looks like the line below reads "We put the U in Fun."

I couldn't figure what the "U" was referring to either. It does make more sense when I read, "We put "U" in the Fun".

Ewww bad sign is bad.

Coming from a place named Brickopolis, it's not really that bad.

I think the sign fits their target audience/clientele…which means you and I won't be going there :tongue:

M
Coming from a place named Brickopolis, it's not really that bad.

I think the sign fits their target audience/clientele…which means you and I won't be going there :tongue:

Is that because U don't like fUN? :p

My daughter got a job there (her third concurrent job after the Dodgers and Boathouse district) and told me today that her boss told me they're opening on 20 July. It's probably posted somewhere as well but I haven't looked.

Congrats to her! I know when we talked previously, you mentioned her trying to get it. Sounds like she is definitely the city's mascot ambassador. Also good to hear that they are opening up soon!

I am doing a job out here today they are coming along and getting close to being finished. I got some updated pics of the inside. Can't figure out how to post them from my phone... It is going to be 3 floors with first floor being pizza and buffet style second being burgers and beer and third being the main gaming floor with laser tag. Looks pretty neat.

Here are some pics I got the other day they are close to being ready .
This is the main floor at the side entrance looking at the front entrance. this floor will be all about burgers and beer, they have bought at least 20-30 TV's they are putting up around the inside and several around the outside of the building so may be a neat place for the family to go to watch sporting events.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/93E7CBC2-2364-4980-9F53-8F7B5FCEE016_zpstcefhdfl.jpg

This one is the Third floor (game floor)
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/0B8B72AF-CB64-4523-96E1-30078B10DDE8_zpsjckdt55f.jpg

Third floor looking at the laser tag entrance.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/72EB5E07-2A2E-4C0A-9FBB-28BF15568A12_zpsioymcwq0.jpg

Third floor view of the mini golf course.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/E9702D10-C4A7-4179-974F-C82767F40562_zps9baktvfp.jpg

one of the many beer tap systems they have in place I saw Budlight, Coop, Shocktop, and several others.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/04B78EC3-E99C-4AD7-902E-5871F3BB3A19_zpslg17ccu4.jpg

the lower (canal level) will be Pizza buffet and some games. here is a look at the kitchen the right of this image is the Pizza Oven.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad142/camrun91/C6CBC360-05D5-4488-ABDD-D4F53A113D69_zpsyaef7mqe.jpg

The place looks like it will be a really neat place to take the kids and such. I don't know if anyone has posted about them not carrying the Apparel part of the business model any more or not. But I can confirm they are not going to be selling shirts and such they will keep that at the House Of Bedlam that is next to the sonic across the street. the reason for this decision is that they had push-back from college teams on licensing because they serve alcohol.

Looking wonderful, thanks for posting those pics.
I really enjoyed the view right across the canal of the mini golf course. It made it seem like BT was all about entertainment.

I really think these two developments (Brickopolis and the putt putt course) will be a renewing catalyst for interest in BT. This is only going to keep people coming here.

Hope the arcade and laser tag doesn't bring out more hoodlums to the area.

Hope the arcade and laser tag doesn't bring out more hoodlums to the area.

Can't tell if serious.

I think he's being sarcastic. I hope he is at least. I think it's actually they have an arcade especially considering how there really aren't too many arcades near downtown.

Brickopolis opened today, limited to laser tag and redemption games. Restaurant portions still setting up and will be training next week. Retail potion to follow. The laser tag and redemption games portion will be open today and tomorrow only, and will then open for good with restaurant openings.

Steve's update along with video interview with Chris Johnson.

Bricktown has new destination for recreation | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/bricktown-has-new-destination-for-recreation/article/5440798)

Went yesterday and couldn't stick around, it was WAY too hot in there. Similar reviews on their Facebook page as well.

Arcade games are very nice and like you see at Dave and Buster's, but the prizes are are all aimed at kids. If you are an adult and like prizes, stick to D&B.

Pizza buffet only had two pizzas and the salad bar just looked old and gross. Staff was very friendly and the mini golf is pretty cool!

Didn't check out laser tag or any of the other adventures they offer.

Overall: Meh, will probably go back again in the future, maybe before a Thunder game, but not anytime soon. I am sure they have a lot of kinks to work out and hopefully they will.

Agree with the above poster. I went last night. It is just a meh from me, but then again this not my kind of place to hang out. The arcade is super tiny and most of the games were off.
Not hot when i was there, like GoOkc mentioned, felt nice and cool.
They had I believe 2 local brews on tap. So there's that.

This new business is very bad and uncaring. They will attempt to silence you and block you from posting comments or reviews via social media if it's something they don't like whether it's good criticism or not. I tried to bring this up with them over the phone with one of the managers, which they tried to shut me up with some free voucher that I never received and talk over me when I was trying to talk. They never actually try to resolve anything. They are very unprofessional at dealing with negative feedback.

The attitude of the management as a whole basically says that if you don't like something, then you can take a hike. This lady was very rude and she told me "well, I don't go on your facebook to write bad comments." - Something along lines of that and she tried to justify it as if she were right! It is never appropriate to attempt to silence consumer reviews/comments, instead the business should respond to complaints, attempt to repair the damage done, and learn from mistakes made.

I've been working in the hotel industry for over 2 years now and their customer service skills are extremely poor compared to where I work. So I easily recognize bad customer service when I see it.

What was the issue/negative feedback?

I don't know when your bad experiance started but just figured I would post and let everyone know that part of the hard start they are having is due to the fact that the two managers they had hired for this place actually left the week of the grand opening. They had to pull our IT contact over to manage it. They are spread thin and I think just hired someone to help manage this. They are also having issues with the company they chose to do the POS systems for them. There is a lot of drama and stuff happening behind the scenes.

What was the issue/negative feedback?

Kinda not important about what the negative feedback was since they don't actually care and they would never give me an answer to why they blocked me. Though I will say it was about the same as all the other complaints that they are receiving. Yet, I got blocked on their facebook for posting about it. Really sad when businesses do this to try and silence customers. I guess Chris Johnson doesn't care about how his customers get treated as long as he makes the money he needs.

Kinda not important about what the negative feedback was since they don't actually care and they would never give me an answer to why they blocked me. Though I will say it was about the same as all the other complaints that they are receiving. Yet, I got blocked on their facebook for posting about it. Really sad when businesses do this to try and silence customers. I guess Chris Johnson doesn't care about how his customers get treated as long as he makes the money he needs.

Sounds like they are looking for people to help. Why not go over and speak to them about going to work as a manager and straightening it out for them? Sounds like they need your experience.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it kind of does matter what the negative feedback was. Blocking complaints is bad mojo on the face of it, but there's always more to the story and I'm going to need more than "I wanted to post something negative and they wouldn't let me" to be any degree of concerned.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it kind of does matter what the negative feedback was. Blocking complaints is bad mojo on the face of it, but there's always more to the story and I'm going to need more than "I wanted to post something negative and they wouldn't let me" to be any degree of concerned.

+1

Sounds like they are looking for people to help. Why not go over and speak to them about going to work as a manager and straightening it out for them? Sounds like they need your experience.

Really? I didn't come here to deal with your bad jokes.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it kind of does matter what the negative feedback was. Blocking complaints is bad mojo on the face of it, but there's always more to the story and I'm going to need more than "I wanted to post something negative and they wouldn't let me" to be any degree of concerned.

It is you. I'm not trying to damage their business or anything like that. I had legitimate concerns. They didn't even try to talk to me about it. I'm not at fault for the bad experience I had with them when I went to try out the place. I truly wanted to like it, but based on how they are treating me they've already ruined that for me.

It is you. I'm not trying to damage their business or anything like that. I had legitimate concerns. They didn't even try to talk to me about it. I'm not at fault for the bad experience I had with them when I went to try out the place. I truly wanted to like it, but based on how they are treating me they've already ruined that for me.

Was Facebook the first place you went to try and reconcile the bad experience and voice your complaints?

Was Facebook the first place you went to try and reconcile the bad experience and voice your complaints?

It was. But that doesn't mean they should block me on facebook for bad feedback. They didn't try to get in touch with me about anything or reply to the review I left them. I was really upset with my experience so I left without speaking to anyone since I wasn't in the mood and didn't have the time.

Blocking/deleting posts on Facebook is bad customer service 101. If 2 managers left before they even opened I'm really worried about how this place is being ran.

I can't really make a judgement either way until I know what you were complaining about. Context is key. "Bad service" is way to broad of a term. If I go to red prime and the waiter is about as attentive as they are at fassler hall that's bad service, but at fassler it isn't. It's all about the context. All we've heard is bad service and they blocked me on Facebook.

Btw you'll get a better response if you send a private message first and wait for them to respond to that. Rather then just blast them on their wall. I've done this twice both times they made it right. On one occasion the CEO of the restaurant group added me a s a friend and thanked me for keeping it private and giving them a chance to fix it before ripping them.

It was. But that doesn't mean they should block me on facebook for bad feedback. They didn't try to get in touch with me about anything or reply to the review I left them. I was really upset with my experience so I left without speaking to anyone since I wasn't in the mood and didn't have the time.

I agree that they should not block you for bad feedback. Obviously, they should address and resolve it publicly, since it was brought up publicly. I deal with customer service too and I am just interested in the motivation to use facebook as the first recourse. A couple times we've had people fly off the handle on facebook before we even knew there was a problem. We ended up talking with them and fixing it and they'll say "oh thank you, I'm so happy", but they didn't post that on facebook later.