If you’ve been in the family entertainment business for more than a minute, you know the biggest trap you can fall into is standing still. For over two decades, Airway Fun Center has been a staple in Portage, Michigan, by following one golden rule: Add something new every single year.

Russ Van Natta from Creative Works recently caught up with Tyler Houser, the General Manager, to talk through their latest transformation. Airway replaced an aging laser tag arena with a custom 7-hole pirate-themed black light mini golf course and the cutting-edge ValoArena from Creative Works.

The Challenge: Adding Without Subtracting

Every operator fears cannibalization, the idea that a new attraction will steal players from an old one. Airway already had a massive 18-hole outdoor course, so adding indoor mini golf felt like a gamble to some.

But Tyler saw a gap in the Michigan market: The Weather.

“We’re so seasonal here… when that weather turns, we realize people still want to play mini golf. It was a great fit for our clientele.”

By bringing the game inside, Tyler didn’t split his audience; he captured the 10 months of the year when Michigan weather doesn’t cooperate.

The Creative Works Experience: “Everything was laid out really clear”

A testimonial is only as good as the “sticky points” it covers. For Tyler, the biggest concern wasn’t the product; it was the process. Airway wanted to keep open during construction to keep revenue flowing in the arcade.

“The team was great,” Tyler noted. “They understood our objective to keep the game room open. They were very communicative and helped us work around that operation.”

By using smart barriers and signage, Airway turned a construction zone into a “coming soon” teaser that built massive anticipation.

The ValoArena Advantage: High Tech, Low Overhead

A standout feature of this family entertainment center expansion was the addition of the ValoArena. This 6-player mixed reality attraction is a game-changer for operators because it is completely unattended.

• Social Competition: Up to six players can compete in physical, gear-free mini-games like Groundfall (The Floor is Lava).
• High Throughput: With games lasting only a few minutes, the ValoArena can handle up to 110 players per hour, maximizing revenue during peak times.
• Viral Marketing: The system automatically captures video of the players’ best moments, which they can instantly share on social media, acting as a digital souvenir that promotes Airway Fun Center for free.

The Bottom Line

When asked to sum up the project, Tyler didn’t talk about the hardware—he talked about the people. He gave a shout-out to Project Manager Zach and the design team for their ability to pivot on the fly.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the team and the execution… it was fantastic.”

For Airway Fun Center, the partnership with Creative Works wasn’t just about buying a mini golf course; it was about finding a team that understood their 20-year legacy and helped them build the next 20.

How Did We Build It?

To see how we pulled off this expansion, check out this behind-the-scenes video showcasing our talented team, who designed, built, and installed these awesome attractions!

Ready to Build Your Own Immersive Attraction Mix?

If you’re opening a new venue or refreshing an existing one, Creative Works can help you design and install unforgettable attractions that wow guests and drive revenue.

Request a quote and let us bring your vision to life!