Watch now: the new Topgolf headquarters in Omaha is finally ready to be opened this month | Local sports

The $ 23 million Topgolf facility reported near the Westroads Mall, high above the 680-west interchange on Dodge Road, will be inaugurated on Friday, July 17.

The wait has been three years, extended by the coronavirus pandemic, since plans were announced. Construction started in June 2019.

Topgolf was expected to open on March 23rd. The epidemic and state direct health measures were a week earlier.

“The community was fantastic,” said operations director Marcus Parent. “People have been so excited about this and I’m so happy that we managed to do it in the end.”

With golf, social distance comes naturally. Parent said the affected areas are 11 feet apart between each of the 72 bays spread over two levels. But other security measures have been put in place.

Transparent 8-by-5 ​​vinyl dividers hang between the five-seater tables in each compartment. Golf clubs, game screens and tables are disinfected based on the use of each group. Touchless menus are found on an app or on the Internet.

Custom golf balls, which contain microchips to track each player’s shot in real time, are also disinfected between uses. They are automatically dispensed into an affected bay, the only time a player has to pick one up is to put it on a rubber shirt.

Parent said that Topgolf, who will employ more than 300, will pass their staff through daily well-being analyzes, including temperature checks, before they can work.

While about 80% of Topgolf’s U.S. facilities had been reopened, Parent said, the Omaha operation was pending appropriate state-led health measures and worked with the governor and mayor’s offices.

“We were in trouble in terms of when it was safe to return,” he said. “Topgolf, in general, safety is our concern no. 1. So, before opening, we wanted to make sure we had our systems and protocols in order to preserve the safety of our guests and collaborators. “

The use of the mask by customers is strongly encouraged, he said. The staff wears masks.

Topgolf sees itself as a “technology-based entertainment venue” in addition to hitting golf balls. Groups can order food and drinks while they play. Guests also have access to a full-service restaurant, multiple bars (currently closed), outdoor terraces and a family-friendly entertainment area with games. The space is available for corporate events and parties.

Golfers hit a net-wrapped outdoor course, targeting any of the 11 targets with LED code and LED lighting or aiming for the 155-foot-high rear net that is 225 meters from the bays affected by the weather.

Ball microchips award points for accuracy or luck, with 10 games to choose from. Each bay offers complete sets of clubs, but golfers can bring their own sets.

The parent, who has been in Omaha since November, said it was time to open up.

“Topgolf, we are a family, our collaborators, our managers,” said Parent. “Losing the connection for three months was very difficult, but now that we are able to bring these jobs back on the market, we are able to bring our families home and we are preparing to open this thing, it is really beautiful.”