N.Y. Adds Athletic Twist To Mtgs. - 2001-01-29
<B>N.Y. Adds Athletic Twist To Mtgs.</B>
By Frank Rosci
Corporate meeting planners will find New York offers precisely the right kind of venue to light each meeting's fire, including a host of ever-popular sports-themed venues.
One of the city's most in-demand sports sites is Bowlmor Lanes, a 42-lane bowling complex established in 1938 in Greenwich Village, just below Union Square. "Groups use Bowlmor in a variety of ways, including for team building, but not usually for formal meetings," said Lauren Keane, Bowlmor vice president of corporate and special events. "We hosted more than 3,000 groups last year; they really come for the fun atmosphere."
"We use Bowlmor all the time for our clients who want something different to do, including for small groups of about 25 people," said Julie Graham, special projects manager at Save the Date, a Manhattan-based event planning company. "It's a very flexible space where even a dance floor can be set up across the lanes. It's also a competitively priced space that groups find is worth the money for the fun and interaction dynamics it provides."
Bowlmor, where the decor is described as architecturally distinctive, accommodates up to 800 people for a reception, has a seating capacity of 650 and space for a 250-person meeting. Rental rates for the entire facility for three hours of unlimited bowling range from $8,750 ($1,450 for each additional 1/2 hour) to $10,850 ($1,800 for each additional 1/2 hour).
Bowlmor's newest space, Pressure, which will be a setting for product launches, fashion shows, general corporate parties and more, is scheduled to open fully in February.
Another favorite venue with groups is the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, located on four historic piers on the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan. "With a corporate client list that reads like a who's who of major companies, including American Express, JP Morgan and Reebok, the site appeals to groups because it's hip and new, especially when it comes to major meetings," said Chelsea Switzer, special events coordinator. "Groups can arrange a morning meeting with an afternoon activity, for example, and the site is well known for the team building options it offers."
Special event spaces at Chelsea Piers include: The Field House, a multi-sport facility that houses two Astroturf fields, two basketball courts, four batting cages, a gymnastics center and a rock climbing wall for groups of up to 300 attendees.
The Golf Club on Pier 59, Manhattan's only year-round, outdoor driving range, is ideal for meetings, receptions and small-seated parties of 10 to 55 people. Other areas include: The Sports Center, a 150,000-sq.-ft. sports and fitness club; Sky Rink on Pier 61, Manhattan's only twin, year-round, indoor ice skating rinks, featuring private lounges and a terrace that accommodates from 10 to 200 attendees; the Roller Rinks on Pier 62; Sunset Strip, an enclosed walkway housing retail shops and a small restaurant; and the Soundstages at Silver Screen Studios, whose space is available for receptions and dinners. In addition to two-hour, four-hour and full-day team building programs, as well as rock climbing, Switzer said, other corporate group choices include a multi-sport day with organized and free-play activities; and team sports, such as soccer, volleyball and basketball.
The recent additions of Pier 60 and The Lighthouse to Chelsea Piers provides 22,000 square feet of column-free space. Four spacious ballrooms can be booked individually for groups ranging in size from 20 to 600 attendees, or combined to create a grand ballroom that accommodates 1,500 people seated and 2,000 for a reception.
At the ESPN Zone in New York, corporate groups will discover 42,000 square feet of space on three floors. Key elements include the Sports Arena, which offers the challenges of a variety of interactive and competitive attractions, such as Jump Zone, a virtual parachute game in which participants are strapped into a harness and float through the air.
The Zone's special event locations include: The Skybox, which accommodates from 20 to 70 people and has an exclusive VIP party area; The Bristol Suite, which seats from 115 to 150 attendees (reception up to 220); and The Screening Room, featuring two 16-ft. TV screens and seating for up to 110 (175 for a reception).
The entire facility holds up to 1,800 attendees. Prices vary depending on time of day, event, menu and size of group, said Jessica Rothstein, sales manager for the ESPN Zone.
Meanwhile, the New York Racing Association offers a variety of flexible space, said Deborah Solimine, corporate event coordinator for the Turf and Field Club, NYRA.
The Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, Queens, for example, is an exciting venue for corporate group functions and exhibits, with a capacity of 1,200 attendees for a banquet and 500 for a reception. Belmont Park Racetrack in Elmont, Queens, is another example, where facilities include four floors of clubhouse space featuring a dining room for up to 600 attendees and an outdoor area with a capacity of 300 people.