Would you like to go snow skiing without hitting the slopes? Score soccer goals against a “Robo Goalie”? Go paragliding while barely leaving the ground? Or punch out an AI-powered BotBoxer? 

Those are just some of the immersive sports experiences on tap at Active Arena, which is racing toward an opening in Frisco later this month.

Located at 8008 State Highway 121 #103 near the Stonebriar Shopping Center, Active Arena will feature 15 “unique mechanical and digital sports experiences,” and promises to redefine “the player journey” for groups of all ages.

Virtual-reality paragliding at Active Arena. [Photo: Active Arena]

Active Arena is built on the pillars of “technology, accessibility, and edutainment,” according to group of entrepreneurs behind the newly crafted concept. Infusing their love of both sports and education, they’ve created a high-tech space where guests can experience “the thrill of professional and premium sports.”

“Our vision for Active Arena is to make all sports more accessible, no matter your activity level,” Co-Founder Subhi Gharbieh said in a statement. “Active Arena helps eliminate the physical and financial barriers that prevent people from taking on life’s greatest adventures. We want our guests to walk away inspired with each visit. We’ve curated a venue unlike any other to share with the Frisco and greater DFW community.”  

Use tech to train like a U.S. Olympic skier

A snow skiing simulator at Active Arena in Frisco is just like the ones used by the U.S. Olympic ski team. [Photo: Active Arena]

One example of the advanced technology at Active Arena is a snow-skiing simulator used by the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, all year round, the company says, and its debut in Frisco is said to be a first for North Texas. 

That Robo Goalie? He may be inanimate, but he can sniff out which way you’re nailing your penalty kick. 

And if you’ve dreamed of paragliding but are scared off by lofty heights, now you can try it in a virtual-reality simulator. You’ll be harnessed just a couple feet above the floor—even though it seems like you’re gliding far above it all.

An iWall simulator turns your body into a ‘game controller’

iWall 3.0 at Active Arena in Frisco. [Photo: Active Arena]

There’s also something called iWall 3.0—an “exergame” simulator that “lets your body control the game.” 

“The motion sensor of this exergame detects your movements, making you the game controller instead of a joystick,” says iWall’s manufacturer, Illinois-based Exergame Fitness. “The faster you run and the higher you raise your knees in Parkour, the faster you run in the game.” Other interactive fitness games on iWall are more than just fun experiences: They’re also “a perfect option for a cardio workout.”

There’s also old West target shooting, a tennis-playing target game, and more.

Trying to outfox the Robo Goalie at Active Arena in Frisco. [Photo: Active Arena]

Aiming for birthday parties & group events—up to 50 players at a time

The Frisco venue can host up to 50 guests at a time, and along with its designated simulator spaces, a central lounge area will have snacks and sports beverages available for purchase.

Active Arena says tickets will cost around $29, which includes a preloaded gaming card for access to a variety of sports experiences. Hours of operation will be Monday—Thursday from Noon to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

You see video of the venue’s immersive gameplay and find out more at its website. 

[Photo: Active Arena]

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