Westgate adds bumper cars, expanded arcade
Apr. 14—LIMA — There's more to experience at Westgate Entertainment Center than just bowling and pizza.
Sure, they've had a few video games in their arcade, but now the arcade area is even bigger and now includes bumper cars.
The expanded area opened on Monday of this week.
"So we have taken out what used to be lanes one through six and removed all the lanes and the pinsetters and converted it into an expanded arcade area and a bumper car area," said Andy Johnston, owner of Westgate Entertainment Center.
It's something they've been considering for nearly two years.
"Once COVID hit, we were shut down and we had a lot of time on our hands ... so we started going down a road of doing what we've been wanting to do," Johnston said.
The idea for the bumper cars is something they saw at other facilities they visited and at some trade shows.
"We just thought it was a nice attraction to add," Johnston said.
The cost to ride the bumper cars is $5 for 3 1/2 to four minutes.
"All ages can ride them — kids, adults, grandparents — kids will come in and do them with birthday party packages," Johnston said. "It's just kind of something we've been wanting to do, to add some new attractions and we're hoping down the road, the next year or two, we're going to be adding two or three more attractions in this space."
Diversifying what Westgate Entertainment Center offers has become a necessity.
"I think it's a bit of everything. It's a new revenue source. It's another reason for people to come back and visit us, having a new attraction and it appeals to all ages so we're attracting new customers," Johnston said.
In case you're wondering what happened to the bowling lanes, Johnston says they recycled it.
"One of the lanes we took out we actually recycled and took it to the Lima Mill here in town. We cut it into three sections and made a drink rail out of it," Johnston said.
They also took a lane out of Northland Bowling Center and made a table out of it.
Reach Sam Shriver at 567-242-0409
