The venue blends food, sports and baseball for a unique expirience that’s a first in the U.S.

ADDISON, Texas — A new sports bar and entertainment concept in North Texas is bringing America’s pastime into the future.

It’s called Batbox, and its first and flagship American location is now open in Dallas.

“We really want to change the way people interact with the game of baseball,” said Brandon Gabay, vice president of marketing for Batbox.

The Batbox origins can be traced to Mexico, where the company’s founder never sought to open an entertainment venue. He created and sold an innovative, high-tech baseball simulator that allowed purchasers to take swings whenever and wherever they wanted.

However, after opening a small storefront, offering food and drinks, to showcase the technology, it became clear that an immersive entertainment experience was popular.

“There’s nothing like it,” Gabay said.

Inside Batbox are 10 hitting bays. Each bay accommodates up to 10 players who compete against each other in individual challenges like hitting and pitching or in a full nine-inning baseball game.

“It’s very fun for someone who has those nostalgic feelings and used to do it,” Gabay said.

It’s also fun for people who have never done it.

Everyone plays at their own skill level. Guests choose the pitch speed, the difficulty, and the challenge they want to face.

“We want to make sure that everyone can come here and find something that they’re going to enjoy,” said Gabay.

They believe it’ll make baseball more accessible and more beloved, which is why it’s surprising to hear Gabay say baseball isn’t the main attraction.

“We want to be a sports bar first with our differentiator being play,” he said.

Gabay said Batbox put plentiful and careful consideration into the menu, featuring elevated ballpark classics, along with some exclusive options both in the kitchen and behind the bar.

The venue is also filled with TVs in an effort to make sure a guest can watch their favorite sport from any spot in the bar.

Gabay said guests are welcome to come simply for the food, drinks, and sports. But he also believes that once baseball is added, this place is in a league of its own.

“We want to create that social energy in every way possible and make sure that this is somewhere people feel like they can call home,” he said.

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