COLUMBIA − Midway Golf and Games will reopen Monday after a six-month closure. The business planned to reopen on Friday but decided to wait due to cold and rainy weather.
The reopening has been long overdue, as Midway Golf and Games has been under construction to renovate the interior of an existing building, as well as add a new building.
The opening on Monday will be for the activities that were previously offered such as miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, footgolf, par 3 course and driving range.
Taylor Burks, general manager of Midway Golf and Games, said the new building, which will feature 18 covered golf bays, should be ready very soon. He also said that they are partnering with 44 Stone to bring in a new restaurant.
“We’re hoping for a mid-July start date, but it depends on construction,” Burks said. “But I think we’re on the right track, and I hope right after July 4, people start seeing advertising.”
The expansion of Midway and Golf Games will help give Columbia the opportunity to start competing with larger cities that offer multiple entertainment options.
Megan McConachie, strategic communications manager for the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the city has been lacking in family-oriented activity businesses.
“I think the entertainment options that really appealed to a whole family was kind of a gap that we had when it came to attractions,” McConachie said. “And so places like Midway Golf and Games have really expanded in a way that helps make the visitor experience more complete.”
McConachie said any time you build a business, it will help the economy.
“It may seem like just a sprawling business, but every time something like this adds up or grows, it really gives us an opportunity to attract more visitors and have a big impact on our local economy.”
McConachie explained that the city expected to see its busiest tourism year in 2020, but due to COVID-19, things came to a standstill. He has hopes for the future.
“We’re definitely back on the right track in terms of increasing our visitor base and also what we have to offer those visitors,” McConachie said.
Burks says they are looking forward to how this reopening and new addition will benefit the city of Columbia.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to build and grow in Columbia. We are excited to be at the forefront of growth and business activity in the Midwestern Columbia area,” Burks said.
For updates on Midway Golf and Games’ construction and reopening dates, please visit their official Facebook page here.
