Owensboro, KY — March 5, 2025 - An ambitious $18 million project is set to breathe new life into the former Towne Square Mall as a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor family entertainment center. The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority (KTDFA) granted preliminary approval to TS Entertainment, LLC during a special meeting on October 30, 2024, paving the way for the development.
TS Entertainment, a coalition of local investors, has been tight-lipped about the project details, opting to release information once final plans are solidified. However, KTDFA documents shed light on the scope and vision of the entertainment hub.
A Multifaceted Entertainment Destination
The proposed facility aims to offer a diverse mix of attractions, ensuring entertainment for all ages. According to the KTDFA filings, the family entertainment center will feature:
- Indoor golf
- Laser tag
- Bowling alleys
- An expansive arcade
- A go-kart track
- A dedicated children’s playground
- A range of lawn games
Additionally, the center will include an indoor lawn and stage area designed to host concerts and special events, making it a year-round destination for both locals and visitors.
Project Costs and Funding
The total estimated investment for the transformation stands at $18,297,000. As part of the state’s tourism incentives, the project could benefit from a sales tax rebate of up to 25%, potentially providing $4,574,250 in financial relief.
Construction is slated to begin in May 2025, with a target completion date set for April 2026. The KTDFA documents also reveal that by the third year of operation, the center is expected to draw at least 25% of its visitors from outside Kentucky, bolstering the state's tourism economy.
Public Hearing Scheduled
The Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet has announced a public hearing for March 11, 2025, to gather community feedback on the proposed development. This follows a legal notice published in the Messenger-Inquirer on February 25, 2025.
As excitement builds, local residents and businesses alike are eager to see how the transformation of the former mall will revitalize the area, creating jobs and providing a fresh entertainment option in Owensboro. Further details are anticipated following the public hearing and the finalization of development plans.