Latest news with #TheRoyalTot
Axios
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Immersive game show experience in Charlotte gives players a shot at $100K
An interactive game show experience with a $100K grand prize recently opened its first Charlotte location in the Belmont neighborhood. Why it matters: The Game Show Challenge is the latest in a wave of immersive entertainment venues popping up across the city, from escape rooms to other game-show style attractions. What to expect: In one hour, players partake in four to five fast-paced games, inspired by popular game shows, from "Family Feud" to "Minute to Win It," explains creator and managing partner Josh Brickey. Think "Spin to Win," similar to "Wheel of Fortune," where, depending on where the wheel lands, you might have to confess a secret or bust a dance move in front of the group. Like a real game show, there are buzzers, a live host and producer to keep things moving. The intrigue: A recently added bonus round called "The Perfect Eight" gives players a chance to win $100K. How it works: One contestant per game gets the chance to roll eight custom dice. If every die lands on the winning side, that person walks away with $100,000. Yes, but: No one has taken home $100K yet. Brickey says the odds of winning are about 1 in 1.16 million. Even if you don't win the grand cash prize, you can still win real prizes, like gift cards from local businesses and branded merch, says Brickey. The vibe: The experience is customized for each group, from kids' birthday parties to company outings, says Brickey, adding no one will have the same experience twice. All games are developed in-house. Flashback: Husband-and-wife duo Josh and Patty Brickey opened the flagship Game Show Challenge in Columbia, SC, in late 2019 next to their former escape room business, Escape Plan Columbia. It has since expanded to Greenville, SC; Charlotte, and most recently, Atlanta. Fun fact: Josh Brickey is an ordained minister, and Patty is a chiropractor. But together, they've built a career in immersive entertainment. Josh says he stumbled into the business after reading an article about escape rooms a decade ago. What's next: New games are coming soon, including a trivia-style game called "Brain Buzz." They're also working on food and drink partnerships with local businesses and hope to eventually record games so guests can receive "highlight reels" of their experience. If you go: Tickets are $35.97 per person. Bookings must have a minimum of six people ages seven or older. Stop by: 933 Louise Ave., in the same plaza as Hygee Coworking, The Royal Tot and BATL Axe Throwing.
Axios
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
New nightlife party experience aims to "break up with the club" culture in Charlotte
A 704 Party is Charlotte's newest party series that offers nightclub vibes without sections and bottle service. Why it matters: With our constantly evolving nightlife scene, founder and Charlotte native Erin Thames aims to create a space focused on dancing and inclusivity. Background: After exploring the nightlife in various cities, Thames wanted to create a social scene that emphasized bringing people together — something she felt was lacking in her hometown. "I wanted a space where I could go and turn up and it wasn't rooted in today's club culture where there's sections, bottle service and long lines at the door," said Thames. "I have a theory that those things contribute to a lack of community because there's all of these barriers to separate us." Driving the news: Hundreds of people are already attending these pop-up parties. The next event, "Break Up With the Club" Vol. III, at Green Room, is scheduled for March 15. Tickets are $15. What to expect: The parties happen monthly in different locations, with some past events held at The Royal Tot and Alongside Brewing. Each event venue is chosen with space for people to bust a move and with ample open seating at no additional charge for when partygoers want to relax. Some events, which have seen at least 150 people, have a capacity limit depending on the venue, so you'll need to RSVP in advance. Past events have also had a small specialty menu, with a few custom cocktail options at the bar. "We're trying to reduce cost barriers as much as possible," said Thames. "There shouldn't be a steep price to turn up. You can absolutely expect no paid sections. If you want to sit down and kick it with your friends, you are absolutely free to do that." The vibe: These events, which are DJed by Thames and other local DJs, tend to play a diverse range of vibrant music that urges people to dance. You can expect to hear music like house, Afrobeats, amapiano, soul and old school R&B. "I want to cater to the people who might want to hear a different sound when they go out," Thames said. Zoom out: In addition to the dance-focused events, they also host entertainment-related experiences that tend to spotlight art galleries or festivals. A partnered event with The Mimosa Way at the The Mint Museum earlier this year featured vendors, live activations, drinks and snacks. They've also collaborated with Dammit Wesley 's Hunnid Dollar Art Fair and Durag Festival. My thought bubble: This is one of the few spaces in Charlotte where I've seen a large portion of partygoers dance unashamedly in our nightlife scene, so this is worth checking out if you've been searching for a space where you can let loose and dance like nobody is watching.
