FORT FRANCES—Video game enthusiasts, Internet users, and golfers just itching to get back on the links no doubt will breathe a sigh of relief next Friday when “Global Gaming” opens its doors here.
In an interview Thursday afternoon, owner John Racioppi said the grand opening is slated for 3:30 p.m. next Friday (Jan. 26), at which time the ribbon will be cut and he’ll be open for business.
“I’m looking forward to the opening. I can’t wait to see everybody. I know everybody’s going to really enjoy it,” said Racioppi, whose business is located at 256 Scott St.
“The environment here is going to be really cool—it’s going to be something totally different,” he added.
As previously reported, “Global Gaming” will offer up many gaming opportunities, with multiple console systems—Wiis, PS2s, PS3s, and XBox 360s—hooked up to flat-screen TVs of varying sizes.
There also will be an Internet café and an indoor golf simulator with a 120-inch screen, allowing golfers to bring in their own clubs and golf nine or 18 holes—rain, shine, or snowstorm.
The video games, Internet use, and golfing will be rented by the hour.
Racioppi said the rental rates still are being determined, but at least for the first two or three weeks, they will be $5/hour for the video games (but higher for certain games that use peripherals like a steering wheel for racing games or a Guitar Hero “guitar controller”).
The indoor golfing simulator will have a different set of rates.
Racioppi also said he’s hiring two students to lend their video game expertise.
“They’re going to be helping people, such as new gamers who don’t know how to use the machines,” he noted. “They’ll offer hands-on help, whether it’s putting a game in or showing you how to play.
“I hired two guys that are really up on everything—they know every game.”
For starters, Racioppi said he’ll probably be open around 2 p.m. on weekdays (he doesn’t want to be open too early because he doesn’t want kids to skip school to go there), with different hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
However, he’ll be flexible in his hours for those wanting to hit the virtual links.
“I thought that in the morning, the golfers can come in and it will be a little quieter in here,” Racioppi explained. “They’ll have the place to themselves and they can golf their 18 holes, and then in with the next group.”
Racioppi he had hoped to be open a little earlier, but decided to make sure everything was ready for the opening.
“We’re wrapping up a few jobs here,” he noted. “It’s almost ready.
“I need another week of work, though. And I wouldn’t mind one day of rest before the doors open, but probably not,” he laughed.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
