Airdrie golfers can swap out their clubs for joy sticks and a roll of quarters at Apple Creek Golf Course, thanks to the recent addition of a new two-floor arcade.
Apple Creek Golf Course's food, beverage, and arcade manager Melissa Larson said the new amenity has been a hit among golfers and non-golfers alike since the arcade first opened publicly in mid-April.
“The early days have been good,” she said. “Weekends are obviously very busy – we’ve had a lot of inquiries about birthdays and things like that, so it’s been very well received.”
Larson said the motivation to add an arcade to Apple Creek's offerings stemmed from owner Rick Skauge and his son, Craig, who had the vision and saw it through.
She added the COVID-19 pandemic also played a part in Apple Creek's decision to pivot away from being a wedding venue and toward a different source of secondary revenue for the golf course that can bring in the crowds year-round.
“We used to do weddings and events, and obviously things have shifted after COVID, she said. “People have been re-evaluating how much they want to spend on a wedding, and it just wasn’t a sustainable year-round business for us.
“We were fortunate to have an owner who was willing to pivot and make something available for families in Airdrie, Crossfield, and the surrounding area to make memories. What it’s also done is allow for me to have full-time, year-round staff. It’s created jobs and we’re not laying people off at the end of the golf season anymore.”
The arcade is spread out across two floors. The main floor is mostly catered to younger children, ranging from four to 10 years old. This section includes a slate of easier games, such as the ever popular crane/claw game, Grab n Win, and Treasure Cove. The lower level also includes three party rooms that patrons can book.
The upper floor caters more to teens and adults, with marquee, redemption, and nostalgia arcade games like Step Maniax, Piano Keys, and Ring Toss.
The venue also includes plenty of arcade classics like pinball, skeeball, and Pacman.
Larson said nostalgia plays a big part in why adults continue to enjoy coming to arcades, alongside their kids.
“Kids are enthused by all the bright lights and characters, but nostalgia is what brings it back for the adults,” she said. “With pinball, air hockey, and Buck Hunter…how many of us spent time at the pub playing Buck Hunter or Golden Tee on a date night?
“It just speaks more to my generation – the 30-plus who all did that. It’s good for date night. And then the kids have Minions Soccer and Luigi’s Mansion.”
In addition to providing local adults a trip down memory lane and a valid birthday option for kids, Larson argued Apple Creek's arcade will fill somewhat of a gap in terms of family-centric entertainment offerings in the Airdrie area.
While she noted the recently opened Glitch Gaming Lounge in King's Heights is a similar type of business, she mentioned that Glitch specializes in Virtual Reality gaming systems, whereas Apple Creek is providing more of a classic arcade feel.
“We’d be more comparable to something like the Rec Room, and there’s not really a lot available like that in Airdrie for families to go and do,” she said, referencing the popular arcade off of Deerfoot Trail in northeast Calgary.
“The whole premise around this was to have a full-family entertainment facility. It’s not just about the arcade and not just about the golf; it’s about creating a family experience.”
According to Larson, Apple Creek's arcade plans to be open seven days a week year-round, though the hours will be shortened during the winter.
Apple Creek Golf Course is located in between Airdrie and Crossfield in Rocky View County, just off Township Road 275 and the Dickson Stevenson Trail.
For more information, including bookings, schedules, and other info, visit applecreekarcade.ca
