A conceptual drawing of one of the play areas inside the proposed TheZone at the Northwest Arena. Submitted photo

On Tuesday, officials hosted a tour of the second floor of its new addition where TheZone will be located. Megan Arnone, Northwest Arena marketing and communications director, said TheZone aims to lower barriers to play and become a community asset that offers an engaging sports-themed experience that encourages the development of physical skills and mental stimulation through indoor, year-round play.

Arnone said the fundraising goal is $4 million, with $700,000 raised so far. She said donations will be sought from individuals, corporations and foundations. To donate to TheZone, visit funatthezone.org. She added, once the fundraising goal has been met, it will take four months for the exhibits to be manufactured and installed, with TheZone scheduled to open during the summer of 2022.

Jack Rouse Associates and Cortina Productions, who also worked on the National Comedy Center, will be working on the exhibits at TheZone. Arnone said with the high rate of poverty in the city, TheZone will be an exciting place for many children whose families cannot afford vacations to Disney World.

“What a gift this will be for kids,” she said.

From left, Kenny Macdonald, Northwest Arena campaign manager, and Megan Arnone, Northwest Arena marketing and communications director, inside the second floor addition at the Northwest Arena where TheZone is going to be located. TheZone will be an interactive play space for children ages 2-12. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

Arnone said arena officials will be working closely with youth organizations in the area to provide them access once TheZone is opened. She said the family-friendly experience will keep visitors in Jamestown longer, which might lead tourists to eating at downtown restaurants or shopping at locally-owned stores. She added TheZone compliments other finished projects or future planned developments in downtown Jamestown.

Kenny Macdonald, Northwest Arena campaign manager, said one of the exhibits will use 3D motion capture technology where children will design their own digital ball for whatever sport they would like to play. After designing the ball, the child can use the digital hologram to play a sport like basketball or soccer.

Other TheZone features will include a play area where an announcer will state a child’s name as they enter the area with the colors of their favorite sports team being highlighted. There will be a space for children to have their photo taken with their favorite sports team uniform for their very own sports card.

Children will also be able to design their very own locker for their favorite sport.

In the free play area, children will be able to play all kinds of different sports and games, and there is even an overhead jumbotron that will show instant replays. The area will also include STEAM and STEM educational learning activities. The Zone will also include a toddler bullpen for infants.

Children will also be given an RFID chip to record each experience they have at The Zone, so they know when they’ve hit a personal best score.