Mall of America announced the opening of SMAAASH
- Written by Pamela Joy
The newest destination experience to join the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex has opened. Choosing Mall of America as its first United States location, SMAAASH will offer innovative and active entertainment unlike any other, featuring a multi-level go karting track, virtual-reality experiences never before seen in the U.S. and the best of sports, music and dining.
“SMAAASH is the best place for friends and family to gather and get their pulse racing with our unique offerings,” said Shripal S. Morakhia, Chief Imagination Officer for SMAAASH Entertainment. “The triple 'A' in Smaaash stands for 'America's Adrenaline Arena,' and we look forward to providing thrilling entertainment to Mall of America's 40 million visitors per year!”
In addition to housing a multi-level go kart track, SMAAASH features more than 30 gaming experiences, including a virtual reality 'Walk the Plank' where guests, wearing a virtual reality headset, feel like they are walking a 500-foot high plank. Immersive Sports simulators test your skills in Ice Hockey, Basketball, Football and a Soccer game called 'Super Keeper' - where guests will have the opportunity to win a premium brand motorcycle if they can beat the goalkeeper five times. SMAAASH was open to the public on December 14, 2016 and is located in a 40,000 square-foot space on level four, east near Rick Bronson's House of Comedy.
“Smaaash will bring a new level of entertainment to Mall of America with their world-class virtual reality gaming systems,” said Jill Renslow, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Mall of America. “It's an exciting time for us as we continue to expand our robust retail and entertainment landscape, and Smaaash is the perfect addition to our ever-growing international destination.”
Not to be overlooked, SMAAASH has also created a unique dining area with a locally sourced and sustainable menu. With food that promises to be a tempting adventure in a tasteful and welcoming dining space, SMAAASH is designed to create stronger family, social and work bonds.
SMAAASH prides itself on one of the most extensive beer lists in Minnesota. With 40 types of craft beer from local breweries and a plethora of specialty cocktails, there will be no shortage of unique drink options with nationally known “Cocktail Guru” Jonathan Pogash at the helm.
Morakhia and his team are the pioneers behind SMAAASH's breakthrough virtual reality experiences, ensuring a one-a-kind adventure for all. The virtual reality games are conceptualized and created in-house by the R&D division called Smaaash Labs. Unlike other gaming venues, SMAAASH gives guests the chance to jump into another world with their world-class VR technology – from drawing your own rollercoaster before zooming through it to flying high through the clouds.
As 'America's Adrenaline Arena,' SMAAASH offers an innovative way to play and keeps you fueled with a creative culinary twist. SMAAASH is available to host corporate, birthday and team building events. SMAAASH at Mall of America is the Indian entertainment giant's first overseas venture and will be followed by openings in Dubai and Europe.
For more information about the opening of SMAAASH at Mall of America visit www.smaaashusa.com.
About Smaaash:
Founded in 2012, SMAAASH is India's much acclaimed, world-class gaming and entertainment center that connects sports, virtual reality and dining into a highly interactive and innovative social experience for family, friends and children alike. Helmed by creative ideator Shripal Morakhia, SMAAASH pioneers the field of sports simulation technology, proprietary gaming technologies and virtual reality led entertainment – credited entirely to its in-house research and production capabilities. SMAAASH games are currently in use in 10 countries across the globe. Redefining sports entertainment and customer engagement with ground-breaking ideas and inspired dining concepts, SMAAASH truly has something for everyone.
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA®
Mall of America (MOA) is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America. At 5.6 million square feet, MOA boasts more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family theme park featuring 27 rides; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, home to sharks, sting rays and an amazing underwater tunnel; FlyOver America a 4D immersive flight adventure; Crayola Experience; Rainforest Care; Hard Rock Café; the nation's longest indoor zip line and an 18-hole mini golf course.
The Mall, a top American tourist and vacation destination, opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport. Mall of America hosts more than 400 events annually, including concerts, book signings, celebrity meet-and-greets and community-focused cultural events. The Mall is also home to a 500-room Radisson Blu hotel, a 342-room JW Marriott hotel; office tower; grand entrance and more. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and visit our blog. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
About Bloomington, MN CVB- Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau leads the largest concentration of hotels in the State of Minnesota to provide growth for those hotels and surrounding attractions and entertainment venues. Bloomington is located adjacent to Minneapolis and St. Paul, just minutes from the International Airport, is the home of Mall of America, the largest premier shopping destination in the United States. For information, visit www.bloomingtonmn.org
