A new, state-of-the-art indoor play space at Jamestown's Northwest Arena is open for business. Last week marked the grand opening of TheZone, which is designed for toddlers through pre-teens and directly connects sports with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) concepts. The 6,200-square-foot facility is fully ADA-compliant and structured to remain financially accessible. Low-cost opportunities will be available through scholarships and school-coordinated field trips. TheZone is projected to attract 45,000 new visitors annually to the Northwest Arena.
Designed by Jack Rouse Associates and Cortina Productions, the vibrant play pavilion includes:
- Tunnel Experience: An electric, professional-style pre-game sports tunnel that announces children's names as they enter
- Free Play Zone: An open athletic space equipped with hoops, balls, nets, and a massive Jumbotron capturing instant replays
- Toddler Bullpen: A dedicated, safe enclosure featuring soft-play equipment for children ages 2-5 to build basic motor skills
- Primetime Climb: An ADA-accessible, two-tiered climbing framework with obstacles, lookouts, and slides integrated with a digital scavenger hunt
- Locker Room: An interactive space where kids can learn about nutrition and physics, design custom sports jerseys, and control room lighting
To support development, Empire State Development (ESD) awarded the project a $900,000 capital grant through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). The facility is expected to directly sustain four new, full-time permanent jobs, along with 10 additional part-time positions.
