World’s most advanced VR gaming experience opening on Central Avenue

A side-by-side comparison of the real word versus the virtual world at Sandbox VR | Sandbox VR

A first-of-its-kind entertainment experience is coming soon to St. Pete.

Sandbox VR, a virtual-reality gaming franchise that has locations in 16 states and Washington, D.C., is expanding to Florida, and its Sunshine State debut will take place in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District.

The company, which bills its technology as the “world's most advanced virtual reality”, also operates in Canada and a handful of cities in Europe and Asia.

This technology allows players to see and physically interact with one another while feeling like they are in the middle of an action movie, with the heightened emotions that come from not just watching a film, but from actually becoming the stars of the action.

Local franchisee Solis Entertainment LLC has acquired 2228 Central Avenue, a 4,300-square foot building that was formerly the home of Herbach's Rattan Furniture.

Sandbox VR will be located at 2228 Central Avenue, a 4,300-square foot building that was formerly the home of Herbach's Rattan Furniture | St Pete Rising

In an interview with St. Pete Rising, Solis Entertainment Manager Amit Ahluwalia said he hopes to be up and running sometime in the second half of 2024.

“We have finished the concept planning,” Ahluwalia said. “Within a couple of weeks, my architect is going to submit [plans] for permitting and zoning.”

Currently, Sandbox VR offers eight shared virtual reality experiences, some of which are based on popular media such as “Star Trek” and Netflix’s “Squid Game.” Other games have players fighting zombies, pirates, dragons, aliens, and more.

Upon arriving at Sandbox VR, players get equipped with a headset, haptic vest, a backpack, and wrist and ankle sensors that enable them to interact with each other in a fully immersive virtual world.

According to Sandbox VR, they use a unique combination of full-body motion capture and VR technologies to deliver unprecedented realism and complete immersion that's not possible with home VR systems or other location-based VR venues.

Currently, Sandbox VR offers eight shared virtual reality experiences, some of which are based on popular media such as “Star Trek” and Netflix’s “Squid Game.” | Sandbox VR

After being outfitted, players enter a free-roam room, known as a “holodeck”, where up to 6 players will have a truly shared experience, exploring virtual worlds and relying on each other to succeed in games specifically designed to be social experiences.

The standard rate ranges from $35 to $60 per person (pricing depends on the date and time of booking).

Most Sandbox VR locations accept reservations from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., but guests should arrive 15-30 minutes prior to their booked time for training and setup. Each session lasts about half an hour.

Sandbox VR’s St. Pete location will have three game rooms so multiple groups can be accommodated simultaneously. Walk-ins are accepted depending on availability but booking in advance is highly recommended.

Upon arriving at Sandbox VR, players get equipped with a headset, haptic vest, a backpack, and wrist and ankle sensors | Sandbox VR

According to Ahluwalia, the team behind Sandbox VR’s technology includes people who worked on iconic video game franchises such as “Halo” and “Call of Duty.” The company’s investors include A-list celebrities such as Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Orlando Bloom, and Will Smith, as well as NBA star Kevin Durant and prominent investor and philanthropist Michael Ovitz.

Ahluwalia cautioned that Sandbox VR users should be prepared to sweat as the games can be quite intense thanks to the game objectives and high level of realism. Pregnant women and guests with heart conditions are discouraged from participating.

“The physical part of it is highly immersive,” he said. “This is not just your headset — it goes on your hand, around your feet, on your chest, and then you're given a weapon … there’s a bunch of different gadgets you can get. That half-hour experience is pretty much like a workout. I’m not a 20-year-old guy, so for me, it’s exhausting. I’ve seen people come out sweating.”

After the game session is over, players can watch video highlights of their adventure and even refuel from the snack bar.

For more information and updates, follow Sandbox VR on Facebook and Instagram.