The Chattanooga area is one of a trio of sites countrywide slated to see a new Topgolf venue that will ditch the three-story concept in favor of a single-level, open design.
The entertainment complex is on track for an opening in late spring in East Ridge near Bass Pro Shops, according to Topgolf.
The Topgolf complex at Exit 1 off Interstate-75 will have 36 hitting bays on one level rather than on three. The number of bays is smaller than other Topgolf venues, said Kara Barry, the company's head of communications.
"We did look at some of the smaller markets," she said. Barry added that the company "wanted to have the same Topgolf expereience with a new and different design."
Plans are to bring on between 150 and 200 full- and part-time jobs when it opens, though hiring hasn't started yet, the company said.
The new design also calls for a distinct backyard-style outdoor area, according to Dallas-based Topgolf.
The outdoor space will feature a 13-foot programmable video wall, more than 50 big screen TVs, a live music stage, VIP party patios, custom localized pop art and wall murals. It also will hold yard games such as bean bag toss and life-sized Jenga, seating areas with fire pits, and picnic-style dining tables serving Topgolf food and beverages, the company said.
The first location with the new design will be introduced in Augusta, Georgia, during this year's Masters Tournament, which is April 9-12.
The East Ridge complex and one in Waco, Texas, will come on line soon after the Georgia site.
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 East Ridge facility, as other Topgolf locations nationally, will feature the Toptracer Range ball-tracing technology in the climate-controlled bays, the company said.
Topgolf Entertainment Group Chief Executive Officer Dolf Berle said in a statement that the updated venue format provides guests with "the same Topgolf fun, but in a new and innovative environment."
"Everything about these open-concept venues has been purposefully designed for energy and entertainment," he said.
John Healy of Wolftever Development, which is overseeing the Jordan Crossing project at Exit 1, said that the multimillion-dollar Topgolf complex is "a great fit for our project." He said Topgolf will take up a 16-acre tract.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.