When Topgolf opens its new East Ridge location to the public on Friday at Jordan Crossing, developer John Healy says the entertainment complex has a big plus going for it - it's outdoors.
"We wanted an entertainment venue that is something more experiential and better for long-term viability for the project. And we like it's outdoors," he said, citing the coronavirus outbreak.
Topgolf Chief Executive Officer Dolf Berle said in a statement that ensuring the Chattanooga area can safely enjoy the Topgolf experience is important.
"When we open Topgolf Chattanooga, our guests can be confident in the health and safety protocols we have put in place so they can focus on what's most important - simply having a great time," he said.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the company said that rigorous measures have been put in place to reinforce Topgolf's commitment to play safely.
The new venue is equipped with bay dividers and 6-feet social distancing floor markers lining walkways to establish barriers between groups. Bays, golf clubs and game screens will be disinfected after each group and common areas will be disinfected every hour by roving cleaning teams, the company said. In addition, all associates must undergo temperature checks and health screenings prior to each shift, according to the company.
Topgolf will open at 10 a.m. at the Jordan Crossing development off Interstate-75 at Exit One, and it's just the second completely open-air concept from Topgolf featuring a technology-driven, single-level design, according to the company.
Golfers and non-golfers play Topgolf using point-scoring games with micro-chipped balls that instantly show performance data, including accuracy and distance, on a TV screen in a bay.
The Topgolf location has 36 climate-controlled hitting bays outfitted with Topgolf's Toptracer technology, including the signature game, Jewel Jam, and some of the world's most iconic golf courses, such as Pebble Beach, St Andrews, Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill.
Also, similar to Topgolf Augusta, which opened in late June, the East Ridge venue features a full 18-hole mini-golf course, backyard-style lawns with fire pits and food.
Patrons are encouraged to use free, online reservations at topgolf.com/us/chattanooga, the company said.
Healy of Wolftever Development, which is developing the Jordan Crossing mixed-use development, said Topgolf should draw from the region.
"It has got a family environment," he said, adding that it's easily accessible next to I-75.
Also, Healy said, Topgolf will attract people who are in the Chattanooga area for sporting events, with the Camp Jordan complex nearby as well as the Chattanooga Red Wolves new soccer stadium just across the interstate.
Jordan Crossing holds a Bass Pro Shops, Hampton Inn hotel as well as a Starbucks cafe and a Chick-fil-A. It recently attracted Craft Axe Throwing, and Minnesota-based Fourteen Foods, a large Dairy Queen franchisee, is working to open one of its restaurants.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.