Before Dave & Busters, Rio was home to the 55,000 sq. ft. Sportland America. Sportland, which opened in February 1993, featured an indoor miniature golf course, two artificial rock-climbing walls, batting cages, two huge mazes of plastic and steel for kids to climb in, a roller rink, a bumper car arena, a Velcro-jumping area (where you stick to the walls), a billiard parlor, a snack bar and an awesome assortment of video games, pinball machines and other electronic entertainment devices like laser tag.
This excerpt from an August 1993 Washington Post article sums up Sportland perfectly: “It is Saturday night at Sportland America in Gaithersburg and it sounds like all 277 electronic games are exploding at once. Tanya, the reigning queen of Mortal Kombat, has just kicked the head off a grunting Ninja warrior, splashing blood across a 42-inch video screen. Raptors are roaring loose at the Jurassic Park pinball machine, which is gobbling tokens like a starving tyrannosaurus. Four teenage motorcycle racers are screaming around a computer-generated racetrack, leaning $32,000 worth of full-size, hydraulically mounted bikes into curves so dangerous that only kids too young for a driver’s license would dare to risk them. Mix in the rock-and-roll rhythm of a roller rink, the drumbeat of a dozen bumper cars, an a cappella chorus of teenage mating calls and then crank up the volume until it sounds like one of those car stereos you can hear from three lanes away with the windows rolled up, your radio on and the air conditioner blasting.”
The billiard room featured 25 pool tables, air hockey tables, and foosball tables. The pool tables were all coin operated and would cost six tokens per game. It also featured a legendary snack bar. From a May 15, 1993 article in the Frederick News-Post, “There is a complete snack bar at the center which offers pizza, popcorn, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, onion rings, jumbo pretzels, sodas and a variety of ice cream treats. “My pizza is real New York-style pizza,” boasts Mr. Burchman. Rafael Jauregui, who manages the restaurant, enjoys his job. “It’s nice to see a lot of people busy. It’s an exciting place.”
The “Fly Trap” would cost you $3 for 3 jumps. What are some of your memories of Sportland?
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
