Spectactical Laser Tag provides excitement, exercise

By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

MADISON – Weather in North Alabama can be extremely unpredictable at all times of the year and put a damper on specific recreational activities.

There is however a new business in Madison where residents of all ages can enjoy indoor recreation while remaining physically active.

Spectactical Laser Tag opened its doors on Feb. 1, 2013. It is one of the few laser tag businesses in not only Madison buy North Alabama.

Manager Dustin Hicks said that the concept came to mind when he and his wife Elizabeth had children and were in search of activities to do in the Tennessee Valley.

“We know that there are plenty of things to do in North Alabama,” he said. “But a lot of them are weather dependent. So my wife and I had young children and kept seeking what else was available.”

Hick said that he gathered ideas of a different type of laser tag trend coming out of Western Europe and thought it would be the perfect concept to bring to Madison.

“The laser tag we offer is much different from traditional laser tag,” he said. “Ours is more based on first-person shooter games and it is not a free for all shootout like most laser tag places tend to be. We incorporate missions and strategy and use more of a team concept.”

Hicks said that with the help of a friend, he built the 5,000 square ft. facility Production Ave. that features a 4,000 square ft. area with numerous props, windows and other items to hide behind.

“The arena is huge,” Hicks said. “So it really gives us room to build on that team concept and take away the individual only side of laser tag.”

While the Spectactical does not have a set schedule of business hours, Hicks said groups and private parties can schedule to hold their event at the facility and can reserve it in advance.

Spectactical Laser Tag is located at 500 Production Ave., Suite C across from Fed Ex and can be reached at 256-701-2898, www.spectactical.net or facebook.com/spectacticallasertag.