Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Elias.
Adam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
How did a game that uses unequal parts of basketball, lacrosse and bumper cars come to Chicago? Unlike some unpublished reports, it didn’t begin with a blindfold, a map, and a dart.
Our story began with a pivotal question – where in the world are a bunch of people in need of fun, but unable to go outside several months a year? The answer: Lombard, Illinois. In 1993, Sam Elias, our founder, moved from Florida to Chicago to bring the people what they always wanted: 4,000 square feet to bump cars, cross-check, slam dunk and embarrass themselves without getting arrested.
The desire for an indoor entertainment facility, aside from the traditional bowling option, was even greater than Sam expected. Three years later WhirlyBall opened a second location near downtown Chicago, and eight years after that WhirlyBall opened a third location in Vernon Hills, IL. Most recently, we expanded to our first out of state location in Colorado this past fall of 2017 and plan to continue expanding nationwide.
Over the years, we have also maximized our entertainment meccas by incorporating laser tag facilities and bowling in order to delight daredevils and adrenaline junkies everywhere. Currently, we offer a premium social experience as each WhirlyBall location presents an exceptional food and beverage program, spacious dining areas and private and semi-private event spaces to accommodate groups of any size.
From friendly competition and entertainment to exceptional food and drink offerings, WhirlyBall provides the perfect venue and customizable packages for all ages and events including birthday parties, corporate outings, team building exercises and family gatherings. Whether you need a release from your nine to five job or an escape from Chicago’s weather, we have you covered.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This year marks 25 years WhirlyBall has been in the Chicagoland area. Being in business for over two decades comes with the challenge to stay current with market trends in order to be top of mind to the consumer.
It is important to recognize that a business is a living organism and must adapt and change in order to grow. We found ourselves enhancing our food and beverage program as well as elevating the interiors of locations to maintain the ever changing expectations of our clients.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about WhirlyBall – what should we know?
WhirlyBall is known for having the only mechanicalized sport. It is a game that levels the playing field and allows everyone the opportunity to compete with one another. We pride ourselves in hosting large corporate teambuilding events as well as small group outings and use WhirlyBall as the vehicle to bring everyone together.
Our premium social experience sets us apart from other entertainment venues as our first class amusements are combined with a chef-driven menu and a rotating craft beer selection, so you don’t have to compromise quality food and beverage during your experience.
Pricing:
- WhirlyBall Reservation Rate: Monday-Thursday $225/hour
- WhirlyBall Reservation Rate: Friday-Sunday (& holidays) $250/hour
- WhirlyBall Walk-In Rate: $15/person for a 30-minute session (4 player minimum)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1825 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Website: www.whirlyball.com
- Phone: 773-486-7777
- Email: reservations@whirlyball.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whirlyball/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whirlyball
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/whirlyball
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
