Global sports and entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group and its developer partner, Sports Entertainment Asia Ltd (SEAL), have announced the opening of the first Topgolf location in Shanghai, China.
The Lounge by Topgolf, which will open to the public on 14 September, will be the first Topgolf venue to operate in Mainland China. Additionally, SEAL has announced plans to construct its first outdoor, multi-level entertainment venue in Chengdu, China. The venue, which is slated to open in late 2022, will be the largest Topgolf venue in the world. This global expansion into China now brings Topgolf venue operations to a total of six countries. Topgolf franchise developers also have construction efforts underway in Germany and Thailand.
“We’re thrilled to be introducing both our indoor Lounge and iconic entertainment venue experience to the people of China in partnership with our SEAL development group,” said Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs. “The SEAL team has created a stunning indoor Lounge by Topgolf experience in Shanghai and is also poised to bring a truly innovative and technology-driven outdoor venue concept to Chengdu – both of which are sure to bring the sports entertainment experience to a new level for the communities across the region.”
Located near Shanghai’s People’s Park, The Lounge by Topgolf Shanghai is an all-indoor 2,000 sq m entertainment space. An overarching concept of ‘East-meets-West’ is the driving theme of the venue’s design and is inspired by the cultural, creative and contemporary hub of Shanghai and People’s Square. The unique venue creates a premium but fun and engaging space while boasting Pan-Asian cuisine and craft cocktails. This indoor Lounge will feature a 9-hole mini golf experience inspired by Chinese watercolours, Swing Suite bays with exciting simulator technology, and seven VIP rooms. The industry-leading Topgolf Swing Suite technology delivers a wide selection of exciting virtual games and an immersive social experience that Guests can only get from Topgolf. The Lounge by Topgolf Shanghai can accommodate 300 people. This concept is the first Topgolf venue to open in Mainland China and only the second Lounge by Topgolf in the world following the debut of the concept in January, 2020 in Kirkland, Washington.
Meanwhile, SEAL will officially commence construction on its first flagship sports entertainment venue, set to open in Chengdu’s Tianfu Greenway Belt in China. The city is implementing its city-wide green belt planning, which integrates urban greenery, preservations, leisure facilities and tourism services. Topgolf will be part of this major initiative.
The nearly 12,000 sq m venue will be a three-floor entertainment complex with a sunken plaza. The custom-designed venue will include 104 outdoor hitting bays, 14 exclusive VIP rooms and six Topgolf Swing Suite indoor simulator bays. It will also boast a kid’s activity space, mini-golf facilities and a variety of high-quality food and beverage options, including an all-day dining concept, a Chinese restaurant, and a premium steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Topgolf Chengdu will be the largest Topgolf venue in operation upon opening, and is set to be the first of many Topgolf venues planned across Asia.