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Laser TagLaser Tag is World Class Fun on SherwoodHuge Facility is a Breathtaking, High-Tech Adventure
Industry pioneer Erik Guthrie agrees, calling Davor's creation "the new Mecca" of laser tag. At over 21,000 square feet, the new center is the biggest stand-alone laser tag facility in the Gulf South and unlike anything Baton Rouge has ever seen. Davor has spared no expense in building a super high-tech two-tiered arena and a "heavy duty" maze peppered with obstacles and special effects like fog and intelligent lighting. The laser guns and vests are state of the art. Participants enter the thrilling arena to adrenaline-pumping music played on a concert quality sound system. A complete stand-alone entertainment facility, Laser Tag of Baton Rouge handles everything from birthday parties to group events, lock-ins, field trips, and corporate teamwork get-togethers.
As a newcomer to the game, I admit I approached laser tag with some skepticism. Wasn't this a kid's game? How fun could it be? Well, it's plenty of fun, and it's not really a kid's game but rather an inventive, strategic shoot-out using low-powered and safe, but quite satisfying, laser light. It's fun and easy to learn, and this player-friendly facility has willing instructors eager to offer advice. Laser tag requires timing, coordination, strategy, and composure. A single game can leave you breathless, more from excitement than physical exhaustion, but there is plenty of moving around-make no mistake.
Getting in a game is easy. Register your name on one of the facility's computers, buy a ticket ($4.50 a game without a membership), and enter the briefing area. An instructor will guide you from here. Before entering the arena, you'll put on a vest flashing with green or red lights. Your team is the color you choose; you'll tag the opposite team with your phaser, which is attached to your vest. Press down on the safety as you pull the trigger and the phaser "shoots" a ray of light as far as the eye can see. The laser beam scores a "hit" if it makes contact with an opponent's vest, changing its lights to white, and temporarily disabling the opponent's weapon. If you are hit (and you will be hit) you'll know because your phaser is similarly disabled and your vest makes a little buzzing sound as its lights blink white. Shooting down the barrel of an opponent's phaser also scores. Advancement through the two-level maze is a cautious process, as you are likely to get hit by enemy fire. Be careful! Davor brings to Baton Rouge extensive experience as a partner in the Photon laser tag facility in Metairie, which he has co-operated for 9 years. "It's taught me the intricacies and secrets of laser tag," he says. As a former longtime employee with Chrysler Corporation, Davor also brings the rigorous ISO ( International Standards of Operation) to his conception and execution of Laser Tag of Baton Rouge. Implementing these business practices into this unique entertainment operation is a winning combination, says Davor. One example of the efficiency and accountability of Laser Tag of Baton Rouge: each birthday party is exactly two hours long, and is broken into precise ten-minute increments. "We take care of the kids, serve the food, and cut the cake," says general manager Ricky Dillard, Davor's right hand man and a competitive Laser Tag player from Metairie who has worked his way up to the top of the laser tag world. "I love coming to an environment where people want to forget everything and have fun," says Ricky. "I love making the day special for birthday kids. We cater towards the Moms and Dads who want to relax. "Laser tag is addictive," adds Ricky. "Girls like it as well as guys. It's just fun. We gear the facility for the older child, 17 -20 years olds. There's no Mickey Mouse or kiddie games in the arcade." It's been a long road for Ricky, who has moved from Metairie to Baton Rouge, but well worth the wait. "From conception to completion, this place was seven years in the making," he says. "It's a dream come true."
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"We've built what we believe is the best laser tag facility in the country if not the world," says Davor Franicevich, owner of the monumental new Laser Tag of Baton Rouge on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard.
While laser tag is the main attraction, a premium video arcade is also on hand, as well as party rooms and concessions.
"The course favors movers rather than snipers," says Davor. Some players would disagree, and the combination of moving and sniping seems the most frequent pattern.
