LONG ISLAND
Sports Plus: An Arena For Young
& Old
Family fun center
By Christy Brothers/
info@longislandernews.com
If you’re looking for a place that has ice-skating,
bowling, arcade games and even an indoor roller coaster, Sports
Plus in Lake Grove is the place.
With 169,000 square feet, Sports Plus has plenty
of space to offer something for everyone. “It’s really
quite unique,” said Bill Reitzig, President of Sports Plus.
“Having something for everyone is the center of our success.
But not only do we have something for everyone, we have things everyone
can do together”
In the 48-lane bowling alley every lane comes equipped
with pullout bumpers. A family can bowl together and even a four-year-old
can experience success, said Reitzig. Sports Plus has a “Learn-to-Bowl”
program available for all ages. There is also a “Learn-to-Skate”
program, which takes place on the NHL-sized ice rink.
“This is a dynamic center, we have a lot
going on,” said Reitzig. One of the benefits of coming to
Sports Plus is that it is indoors, climate-controlled and has no
weather concerns. “Our summer camp program is great for kids
that experience allergies,” said Reitzig. The summer camp
program is for kids between the ages of 5 and 14 years old. At camp,
kids have supervised use of all attractions, but there are some
extras, like arts and crafts, said Reitzig.
Some of the indoor attractions include bumper cars,
a giant slide, a carrousel, a rock-climbing wall and laser tag.
The main attraction is the new indoor roller coaster. “Thriller
Coaster” whisks riders to over 30 miles-per-hour. Riders are
sped into the dark on a three-level track that drops twenty feet
in some places. “I put out a challenge for someone to do everything,”
said Reitzig. “I don’t know if you can.”
Mardi Gras Grille is a full-service restaurant
located on the second level. Some nights the restaurant has karaoke.
Every night after 10 there are half-price appetizers, but you must
be 21 years old to stay in the restaurant. It offers New Orleans
Cajun style food. Included in the restaurant is a bar area complete
with pool tables.
Sports Plus also has a catering hall that can accommodate
up to 1,000 people. There are also two smaller rooms available.
Sports Plus as a history of hosting corporate functions, high school
athletic awards and private affairs, including one wedding reception,
said Reitzig. The catering area has its own entrance and a staff
that adjusts to the size of the event.
Private fundraising events are available. It is
possible for a family or church to come in and organize a fundraiser
through the facility, said Reitzig. Over the years people have held
fundraisers to raise money for causes such as cancer research.
On any given day, Sports Plus can have up to forty
birthday parties. Birthday parties are all customized according
to budget. “We have something for everyone, even people on
a tight budget,” said Reitzig. Birthday parties can include
rides, tokens, a selection of menu options and birthday cake.
“I see the kids walk in the front
door and there eyes light up,” said Reitzig. “And sometimes
when mom or dad says it time to go they start crying.”
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