High-tech batting cages with party-friendly amenities now open in Tri-Cities
A new Kennewick business unites batting cages with the same technology behind golf simulators in a party-friendly setting packed with comfortable seating and food service.
The Ballerz Club is a first-of-its kind baseball experience and event venue in the Tri-Cities. It opened June 10 at 731 N. Columbia Center, next to Let’s Glow Mini Golf.
The two businesses share a founder: Brittney Hellman.
Hellman opened the neon mini golf spot in 2023 in the Columbia Center area, motivated to give her young sons an outlet.
The Ballerz Club followed a similar path.
Tackle shop space beckoned
When the former Northwest Tackle closed, it left the shopping center space next to Let’s Glow empty. It’s a surprisingly large space and Hellman spied an opportunity to create something bigger and focused on baseball.
“Baseball’s huge here,” she said.
The result is an 8,600-square-foot venue with six baseball simulators, lounges, a VIP room, concession stand and TVs. There is ample space to hang out between at-bats.
The Ballers Club serves individuals, groups and families. Each simulator can handle up to 10 guests, making it suitable for teams, business groups, birthdays and other gatherings.
It is open to walk ins, but larger groups are encouraged to make reservations. The entire venue can be reserved for private gatherings too.
The simulated cages offer programs for both batting and pitching.
Batters program their details — gender, left or right hand, and the types of swings they want to practice and the types of challenges they want to face. A ball machine hidden behind the screen lobs balls at players.
Baseball fields, complete with referees, announcers and cheering crowds, are projected in front of the player.
Guests can also practice pitching in the immersive system.
Batbox technology
Hellman said she’d heard about baseball simulator lounges and decided to investigate if it might be a good fit.
The family traveled to Dallas, Texas, to visit Batbox lounge, flagship location for the company behind the simulators.
She left convinced the Tri-Cities would embrace it. She became an official Batbox licensed partner and converted the old tackle store into a moody sports lounge.
The concept should be familiar to anyone familiar with golf simulators.
“It’s the baseball version of Topgolf,” she said.
The name “Ballerz Lounge” is a nod to possible expansion in the future. She didn’t want to confine herself to baseball only, so she chose a name that would cover other ball-related sports.
For now, she’s focused on managing the mini golf business and launching the new baseball venture.
Her mother, Laura Osterhout, is the manager.
Guests can use bats and helmets provided by the club. They can bring their own took though wooden bats are not allowed in the bays.
If you go
Where: Columbia Summit Center, near Planet Fitness., 731 N. Columbia Center.
Hours: Noon-9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, all day, Friday to Sunday.
Food: The snack bar sells concession style food and drink. Guests may bring in pizza but not beverages.
Cost: Individual bays rent for $60 to $70 an hour, depending on the day and time. Nights and weekends cost a bit more. Party packages start at $350 for a basic event with up to 30 guests for two hours.
Phone: 509-820-3016; Web: ballerzclubtc.com.; Facebook: @ballerzclub.tricities; Instagram: @ballerzclub.tricities