ATLANTA, Ga. — Fun Spot America Theme Parks is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new Hook & Slice ride at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia this Saturday, February 1. The exciting new attraction, a Mini Reverse Time ride by SBF-Visa Group, delivers high-energy fun and heart-pounding excitement for guests of all ages.
“Bringing Hook & Slice to Atlanta is part of our commitment to continually enhance the guest experience,” said John Arie Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America. “Hook & Slice is a fantastic addition to our Atlanta park, and we can’t wait to see the smiles of our guests as they laugh and create memories together.”
The golf-themed Hook & Slice ride combines spins and twists with high-flying action. Guests will soar as the ride rotates in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, as its mechanical arm elevates the excitement to new heights. “It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and fun for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or just along for the ride,” Arie continued.
The addition of Hook & Slice is par for the course of Fun Spot America’s mission to bring fresh, exciting attractions to its parks while creating lasting memories for guests. Last fall Fun Spot announced it would open five new attractions across its three parks in 2025 and Hook & Slice is the first to debut. Fun Spot America Atlanta’s Season Passholders can experience unlimited access to ride Hook & Slice, the incredible ArieForce One roller coaster and the rest of the park’s rides and attractions, as well as enjoy access to Fun Spot America’s parks in Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida. Fun Spot’s Season Passes are always valid at all three parks, providing unbeatable value and HUGE fun for everyone.
Sacoa Cashless System is proud to announce its participation as an exhibitor at Atrax Expo 2025, taking place from January 30 to February 1 at the Istanbul Expo Center in Turkey. Visitors to the show are invited to stop by Booth #A-170 to discover Sacoa’s comprehensive range of cashless solutions.
At Atrax, Sacoa’s team of experts will be on hand to guide attendees through the latest innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of the entertainment and leisure industry. Highlights include the cutting-edge K5 Kiosk and Redemption Kiosks, along with groundbreaking additions such as KwikPay, a revolutionary payment solution tailored to operators with small- and route-based operations, and Time Tracker, an ideal tool for operators managing time-based attractions.
Visitors will also learn about other transformative technologies designed to optimize operations, boost revenue, decrease costs, and improve the customer experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore how Sacoa’s solutions can help elevate your business. Join us at Atrax Expo Istanbul 2025 and discover the future of cashless technology!
ST. LOUIS — Two Southern bowling centers have chosen Intercard’s latest cashless technology to manage their arcades.
The big arcade at Player Two Strike and Spare FEC in Louisville, Kentucky boasts more than 65 games. The new center totals 45,000 square feet with 34 lanes of bowling including an 8 lane VIP suite, a full bar and restaurant, party areas, and the arcade. The Intercard system is integrated with the center’s Qubica bowling software so that they can sell bowling and food and beverage via the Intercard system as well.
Strike and Spare operates several other centers in the Louisville area. Player Two is their first location to incorporate cashless technology. Tyler Henson of Intercard handled the installation.
Station 300 is a 24 lane bowling center in Bluffton, South Carolina with a 50 game arcade. They recently replaced another vendor’s system with Intercard. The Station 300 chain also operates centers in Saline and Grandville, Michigan; Akron, Ohio and Gainesville, Georgia, all of which use Intercard. Sol Scribner of Intercard did the installation in Bluffton including integration with the center’s Qubica system.
NxGn Arena, a revolutionary FEC that blends cutting-edge technology with thrilling activities, has officially opened its doors in Edgewater, NJ. Strategically located in a prime area, the new, 7,000-square-foot-venue offers an array of next-level entertainment experiences for guests of all ages.
NxGn Arena has partnered with Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management systems, to equip their establishment with the latest Spark Readers and Sacoa’s POS, the all-in-one, comprehensive solution designed to streamline payments and operations.
Mourad Elayan, owner of NxGn Arena, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We decided to go with Sacoa Cashless System for simplicity, and we see sales continuing to steadily increase since the installation!”
Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA, commented: “We are very happy to work with Mourad and are excited to continue helping them increase sales, decrease costs, and improve their customer experience.”
ST. LOUIS — Two Southern bowling centers have chosen Intercard’s latest cashless technology to manage their arcades.
The big arcade at Player Two Strike and Spare FEC in Louisville, Kentucky boasts more than 65 games. The new center totals 45,000 square feet with 34 lanes of bowling including an 8 lane VIP suite, a full bar and restaurant, party areas, and the arcade. The Intercard system is integrated with the center’s Qubica bowling software so that they can sell bowling and food and beverage via the Intercard system as well.
Strike and Spare operates several other centers in the Louisville area. Player Two is their first location to incorporate cashless technology. Tyler Henson of Intercard handled the installation.
Station 300 is a 24 lane bowling center in Bluffton, South Carolina with a 50 game arcade. They recently replaced another vendor’s system with Intercard. The Station 300 chain also operates centers in Saline and Grandville, Michigan; Akron, Ohio and Gainesville, Georgia, all of which use Intercard. Sol Scribner of Intercard did the installation in Bluffton including integration with the center’s Qubica system.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global has hired award-winning casting executive, Judy Bowman, as its new Vice President, Talent Casting & Recruitment.
The addition of Bowman to the team comes as RWS Global expands turnkey entertainment operations for cruise ships, resorts, theme parks and major sporting events. RWS Global fills more than 8,000 roles around the world annually, creating opportunities for singers, actors, dancers, musicians, technicians and creatives on land and at sea. This appointment underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to sourcing top-tier talent for its global entertainment productions.
Bowman has over 30 years of experience in casting for theater, film & television, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, numerous regional theaters and musicals, plays and experiential entertainment throughout New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles markets.
Her large-scale and international projects include touring productions for Broadway Asia, the National Drama Centre of Orleáns, Toneelgroep Amsterdam, Bard Summerscape, the American Repertory Theatre and interactive theatrical events in New York City’s Central Park. Additional work includes feature films as “Hurricane Bianca,” “Mean Girls,” “Something’s Gotta Give” and “Shortbus;” series for Carsey-Werner, Amazon Prime, Hallmark and PBS.
Judy has been a faculty member at Harlem School of the Arts, an Adjunct Professor in Columbia University’s MFA Film Department and a guest teacher at NYU, Harvard University and Carnegie Mellon University. Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Spanish from Tufts University.
“Judy’s innovation and creativity will be invaluable to RWS Global,” said Ryan Saab, Executive Vice President, Talent and Creative Casting. “Her extensive industry expertise and proven ability to lead dynamic casting projects, coupled with her commitment to building strong and diverse teams, position RWS Global to continue delivering exceptional talent to our clients worldwide.”
WILDWOOD, N.J. — Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, a leading amusement and water park destination in the Mid-Atlantic region, today announced the creation of a new Director of Games Operations position and the promotion of long-time Games Manager Mike Weimar to this key role.
Weimar, a seasoned amusement industry veteran with over 20 years of dedicated service to Morey’s Piers, will now oversee the overall management, including budgets, expenses and revenue of the park’s expansive Games program, which boasts over 30 thrilling games across three iconic piers.
In his previous role as Senior Manager of Games for the past 15 years, Weimar played a pivotal role in all aspects of Games operations, including meticulous inventory management, comprehensive staff training, prize flash, and driving overall success.
This new leadership position was established in recognition of Mike’s contributions, from representing Morey’s externally on the New Jersey Amusement Association Board of Directors, to being an integral part of the team that conceptualized and brought to life the popular and now nationally available, Sunny Seagull plush.
Will Morey, President and CEO stated, “Mike’s unwavering dedication and proven success within our Games department make him the ideal candidate for this leadership role. We are confident that under his expert guidance, the Games department will continue to flourish and provide our guests with unparalleled levels of entertainment.” Weimar expressed his enthusiasm for this exciting new chapter, stating, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Director of Games Operations at Morey’s Piers. I am committed to working collaboratively with our talented team to ensure we continue to deliver an unmatched level of fun and excitement to our guests for years to come.”
MABLETON, Georgia — Six Flags Over Georgia will open this spring with a new family attraction, Georgia Gold Rusher. The first-of-its-kind ride combines high-speed adventure and soaring elevation with free-spinning gondola seating and dynamic water features.
“Georgia Gold Rusher hearkens back to a nostalgic era of our park, where thematic storytelling was at the forefront of everything we did,” said General Manager Greg Fuller. “This revolutionary attraction and the investments made throughout the park will help enhance our guest experience around every turn.”
Unique ride elements include:
- Spinning gondola seating with guests facing outward
- 590 feet of U-shaped track
- Multiple high-speed launches
- Speeds of up to 60 miles per hour
- 144-foot peak
- Dynamic water element featuring a scenic splash
Inspired by Georgia’s historic 1885 gold rush, Georgia Gold Rusher introduces guests to the eccentric prospector William “Willy” Gibson—a clever, young entrepreneur with a mischievous streak—and brings a rich new narrative to this exciting experience.
The story of Gibson and his hydraulic mining machine, told by immersive theming and scenic elements like a mining sled and mine cart as well as additional décor and signage, extends beyond the ride itself and integrates seamlessly into the Lickskillet section of the park. Lickskillet, which was the park’s first major expansion in 1968, calls back to the mining towns of old.
Originally announced with the name Georgia Surfer, Georgia Gold Rusher’s new name and reimagined theming is part of the park’s renewed investment in overall guest experience. Enhancements in dining, décor, storytelling, retail and park décor will accompany the new attraction in beloved areas of the park, including Lickskillet, Retro USA and Promenade.
Guests can experience Georgia Gold Rusher all season with an active Season Pass. Currently, 2025 Silver Passes are on sale for only $49 and includes unlimited fun all season long, free parking, food and merchandise discounts and access to Hurricane Harbor Atlanta. To purchase a 2025 Season Pass and learn more about Georgia Gold Rusher, guests should visit sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in cashless systems for family entertainment centers (FECs), is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the highly anticipated IAAPA FEC Summit 2025, taking place from January 19 to 21 at The Westin in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As a distinguished sponsor, Sacoa invites all attendees to visit their space in the Sponsors Zone, where they can learn about the new and innovative solutions and updates Sacoa offers to help FEC operators grow their businesses, such as the K5 Kiosk, the all-new Redemption Kiosk, Redemption 2, KwikPay, Time Tracker, and more.
This unique event brings together industry professionals from around the world to share best practices, explore the latest trends, and enjoy an experience filled with fun, connections, and excitement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and discover how Sacoa can transform your business. See you in New Orleans!
MONTREAL, Canada — Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in the United States with the acquisition of a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Plattsburgh, New York. This strategic move underscores Vortex’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and its leadership in the aquatic structures industry.
The new facility will enhance Vortex’s ability to meet growing customer demand across municipal and commercial markets in the United States. By reducing lead times and increasing production capacity, Vortex is poised to de-liver high-quality aquatic play, wellness, and water park equipment more efficiently to its valued customers.
Supporting Local Communities
The expansion reflects Vortex’s dedication to fostering positive local impact. The company is committed to sus-tainable operations and building long-term partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders in the Plattsburgh area and across the United States.
“This expansion is a pivotal moment for Vortex,” says Stephen Hamelin, President & CEO of Vortex. “It reflects our dedication to meeting the needs of our US customers while supporting the Plattsburgh community through job creation and sustainable practices. We’re excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring to strengthen both our operations and our partnerships across the United States.”
“The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been very pleased to work actively with Vortex in their selection of Plattsburgh as the site for their new U.S. manufacturing operation,” adds Garry Douglas, Chamber Presi-dent. “They come with an outstanding reputation as a manufacturer in a specialized field and as an employer, and are just the latest company to take advantage of our special role as a site for growth in the U.S. market by Quebec businesses. We thank them for their confidence and look forward to working with them on their start-up and suc-cess here. Special thanks to the team including Empire State Development, Clinton County I.D.A. and CDC Real Estate. Onward and upward!”
Operations Begin in Q1 2025
Operations will begin in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Vortex’s ongoing growth and innovation strategy.
“With this new facility in Plattsburgh, we’re taking a significant step toward enhancing our production capabilities and delivering greater value to our partners,” says Sylvain Dugas, COO of Vortex. “This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in our customers and their continued success.”
“At Vortex, we believe in creating joyful moments and memories for families worldwide,” adds François Lafor-tune, CCO of Vortex. “This new facility will help us do just that—ensuring that our innovative products reach our customers faster and more efficiently than ever before.”
30 Years of International Success
For nearly three decades, Vortex has been shaping the way kids and families play in urban environments, water parks, and resorts worldwide. With iconic solutions such as Splashpad®, Elevations™, waterslides, Dream Tunnel™ and the new CoolHub™, Vortex has created more than 10,000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and five continents. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the company has regional offices in the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands, and an extensive distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.
Innovating Sustainable Aquatic Spaces
As a leader in the aquatic play industry, Vortex sets high standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. Vortex has always been committed to sustainability and innovation in water management, continuously striving to innovate for future generations. From day one, the company’s dedication to sustainability has grown, allowing it to responsibly manage water resources. By combining advanced water controller technology with tailored water management solutions that comply with local environmental regulations, Vortex provides solutions that best meet customers’ ecological objectives. Responding to the challenges of climate change, Vortex introduced CoolHub™, an urban oasis designed to provide refreshing spaces for all citizens. This initiative aligns with many cities’ objectives to mitigate urban heat, promote sustainability and enhance the well-being of their population. CoolHub™ creates an inviting public environment that fosters healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.
