Europe’s first Nerf Action Xperience is finally opening its doors inside Trafford Palazzo.
The ‘family-friendly’ experience features ‘a multitude of action-packed indoor activities and themed arenas’.
It was scheduled to open towards the end of the school holidays, but faced a slight delay while work was completed.
Now it’s all systems go and the first ticket holders will be heading inside the attraction this weekend.
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It will initially be opening on Friday evenings and at weekends before extending its opening hours next month and eventually opening fully over seven days a week from October half term.
Ahead of the big reveal, new CGIs have been released giving visitors a better idea of what to expect.
The 35,000 sq ft venue is the first of its kind in Europe and features a variety of Nerf experiences including thematic blaster battlegrounds, training activities and a several sports games.
The indoor entertainment centre promises ‘an exhilarating social, active play experience and heart-pounding challenges’ – as well as an on-site Archie’s ‘to fuel up before or after your adventure’.
Chris Hayes, Rocafella Leisure’s chief executive officer, said: “The wait is nearly over. We’re so happy to be opening our doors to allow people to see what we’ve been creating tirelessly behind the scenes.
“We’re confident what we’ve created will be an unparalleled and thrilling first-class experience for all the family. These early trailblazers will be the first in Europe – never mind the UK – to try an experience like this, so we’re keen to hear what people think.”
The themed arenas inside the attraction include:
Sports @ NERF AX – a dedicated active play zone where players get their hearts pumping with seven different sports inspired games
Training Ground – a zone where players can test their NERF blaster skills with eight digital target games
Chaos City – a post-apocalyptic urban city blaster adventure
Mission X – a cargo bay of a marooned spaceship blaster arena
The venue, which is being run by Manchester-based Rocafella Leisure and licensed by leading toy and game company Hasbro, will also house the UK’s first dedicated Nerf retail store, selling hundreds of products as well as bespoke Nerf AX merchandise.
Matt Proulx, vice president, global experiences, partnerships and music at Hasbro, said: “For nearly 55 years, Nerf has cemented its place in culture as a true social, active play lifestyle brand. Nerf AX represents the culmination of this legacy, combining Nerf product innovations with thrilling experiences, dynamic gaming and much more.
“It’s heartening to see the early response, and we can’t wait for every fan – from Nerf newbies to long-time players – to get their hearts pumping as they play through all that Nerf AX has to offer.”
Guests will get an hour playing Nerf and will need to be a minimum of age five to play. It’s recommended children under eight are accompanied by a paying adult. Ages 12 and under need an adult inside the venue at all times. Adults can play too.
Ticket prices start at £20 – inclusive of protective goggles – and can be bought online.