By Micaela Williamson
For several years Eric Axilbund had been trying to open up a combination sports and family entertainment facility to be located in the Alexandria area, but was unable to raise enough money to get it off the ground.
“While I was working on raising more money to achieve this goal, I started an events company that operated inflatables at large and small outdoor events,” says Axilbund. “I discovered that Kid’s Choice Sports Center had opened up in Annandale; I stopped in to see if they were interested in using my company for any special events. The owner happened to be there, and they were looking to partner with a company to set up a bounce and party center. We were able to come to terms and moved in shortly thereafter.”
Now, the new Alexandria Coliseum, located in Annandale, is promising to bring inflatable fun to families closer to the Beltway. The facility boasts the biggest inflatables in the area. The slide stands at 22-feet-tall. There is also a giant soccer themed moon bounce and an inflatable two level crossover challenge obstacle course.
Open bounce is offered every day from open to close for a fee of just $9.99 per child. There are no time limits either. Once a child enters, they are given a wristband and are even able to come back later in the day, without paying again, to enjoy more jumping fun.
Since Alexandria Coliseum is located in Kid’s Choice Sports Center, guests get the benefits of having multiple activities under one roof. Right now, the building is shared with Fairfax Athletic Center, Blue Box Sports, Foxy Mommy Fitness and other sports leagues. While one child is having soccer practice on the turf field, another child can be playing in the fun center. They also offer free Wi-Fi and seating both in the amusement area and in the observation lounge.
Birthday parties and events rule the roost at Alexandria Coliseum. Prior to the party, a party host conducts and interview with the birthday child and uses that interview to help tailor the party to make it special and amazing. Rather than running around, the hassle-free party experience allows parents to relax, enjoy the party and focus on taking pictures and having a great time. Special parties and events are also available for sports’ teams and scout groups.
Axilbund adds, “One of our popular events is Teen Night. We bring in a local DJ and karaoke, have pizza and drinks and open exclusively for high school students.”
Alexandria Coliseum is still continuing to improve and update its space. By the fall, they plan to introduce a redemption style arcade, and in early 2015, a ropes course and bumper cars will be added to the attractions. They are also currently exploring the feasibility to add some limited food service.
Kid’s Choice Sports Center hopes to open a few more centers in the region, and Alexandria Coliseum plan to grow with them.
- Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography
Micaela Williamson is a co-author of local travel guide, Kid Trips Northern Virginia, an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.
