When we talk to operators who want to open a laser tag attraction, their first question is almost always some variation of “How big should my laser tag be?” Another way to pose this question is to ask “How many players do I need?” The questions of capacity and square footage go hand-in-hand. In this article, we’re going to show you all the variables that affect the answers.

First, let’s review the industry standards for overall square footage per player:

• Arena = 125-150 square feet per player
• Vesting = 13-15 square feet per player
• Briefing = 8-10 square feet per player
• Control = 2 square feet per player
• TOTAL = 148-177 square feet per player

Considering these numbers, the average all-in size requirement is 162 square feet per play. In order to figure out how many players (ie: how much total square footage) you need, it’s important to understand your goals and how the attraction will fit in your facility. Laser tag attractions can be broken down into 2 categories: Primary and secondary.

Primary/Anchor Attraction
Laser tag is a primary attraction when it plays a large role in your FEC, or when you operate a stand-alone laser tag facility. In these cases, you need at least 30 players, which translates to a minimum of 4,500 square feet. The average size of a birthday party is about 12 kids, so if you have a 30 player capacity, it allows you to fit 2 birthday parties per game with space for walk-in traffic. Our clients who install primary laser tag attractions are usually in the 30-40 player range.

Secondary/Complementary Attraction
Laser tag is a secondary attraction when it’s an additional piece to your FEC puzzle, but it’s not the primary driver of traffic. In this case, you need at least 20 players, which translates to a minimum of 3,000 square feet. Our clients who install secondary laser tag attractions are usually in the 20-30 player range.

If space is at a premium in your facility, you can minimize the attraction footprint without losing capacity by installing a second level structure. The technical name for this is an ASA (Area of Sport Activity). Not only does it save on space by allowing you to build vertically, but an ASA structure enhances the player experience. Your customers are used to the complete 360-degree environments of first-person shooter video games. An ASA structure brings these environments to life and helps you compete with in-home entertainment (especially among Millennials).

From purely an economic standpoint, it’s a no-brainer. For example, a 4,500 square foot single level laser tag fits 30 players. If you do an ASA structure in that same footprint, you can add 8 people to your capacity, bringing the total to 38 players. This change alone yields an additional $90,000+ in annual revenue. Simply put, an ASA structure delivers a better experience and a fast ROI.

Please remember these sizing numbers are generalities. Every project will be a little different and we’re happy to chat with you to learn more about your specific needs. Take the first step by downloading the presentation below.

The Customer Experience Matters: Learn how to maximize the laser tag experience and increase revenue