The venue blends food, sports and baseball for a unique expirience that’s a first in the U.S. <\/p>\n
ADDISON, Texas \u2014 A new sports bar and entertainment concept in North Texas is bringing America\u2019s pastime into the future.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s called Batbox, and its first and flagship American location is now open in Dallas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really want to change the way people interact with the game of baseball,\u201d said Brandon Gabay, vice president of marketing for Batbox.<\/p>\n
The Batbox origins can be traced to Mexico, where the company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
However, after opening a small storefront, offering food and drinks, to showcase the technology, it became clear that an immersive entertainment experience was popular.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing like it,\u201d Gabay said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very fun for someone who has those nostalgic feelings and used to do it,\u201d Gabay said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also fun for people who have never done it.<\/p>\n
Everyone plays at their own skill level. Guests choose the pitch speed, the difficulty, and the challenge they want to face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure that everyone can come here and find something that they\u2019re going to enjoy,\u201d said Gabay.<\/p>\n
They believe it\u2019ll make baseball more accessible and more beloved, which is why it\u2019s surprising to hear Gabay say baseball isn\u2019t the main attraction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to be a sports bar first with our differentiator being play,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to create that social energy in every way possible and make sure that this is somewhere people feel like they can call home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n