The former Towne Square Mall is one step closer to becoming a multi-concept indoor and outdoor family entertainment center featuring mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, and more. The $17.7 million project, led by the local investment group TS Entertainment, LLC, received approval Wednesday from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority (KTDFA).
The project has been approved for just more than $2 million in incentives under the Kentucky Tourism Development Act (KTDA), a program designed to support projects that enhance tourism and stimulate local economies.
“We’re grateful for the support from the state as we move forward in this process,” Tony Yager of TS Entertainment LLC said in a release Wednesday afternoon. “Receiving KTDA approval is an exciting milestone, but there’s still work to be done. As we continue refining our plans, community engagement and local support will be key to making this vision a reality. We’re excited to keep moving forward.”
TS Entertainment LLC anticipates that the development could create 75 full-time and 50 part-time permanent jobs upon completion of the projected 2-year timeline. Project officials added that the facility has the potential to bring significant tourism growth, with estimates indicating out-of-state visitors could make up 25% of guests in year one and 35% by year five.
TS Entertainment LLC is continuing to explore the feasibility of the project, working with local and state partners to evaluate the next steps.
“We’re excited to continue working alongside TS Entertainment as they explore this opportunity,” Claude Bacon, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, said in the release. “Securing KTDA incentives is a great next step, and we look forward to seeing how this project continues to develop.”
During the KTDFA meeting Wednesday afternoon, Chairman Kimberly Huston said the Office of the State Budget Director and the Finance Administration Cabinet reviewed the consultant’s recommendations and findings, ultimately approving the project’s total incentives. Over the 10-year duration of the agreement, those incentives will not exceed $2,007,000, Huston said.
KTDFA granted final approval, pending certification from the State Budget Director and the Finance Administration Cabinet. Before voting, KTDFA entered a closed session to discuss the project. Upon returning to open session, officials did not provide additional details. However, Huston expressed general enthusiasm for the development.
“I’ve got some friends that live in Owensboro, and this project is pretty exciting right now,” she said.
KTDFA initially granted preliminary approval for the project on October 30, 2024. While discussions during that meeting were also held during a closed session, meeting documents describe the planned entertainment center as a destination featuring indoor golf, laser tag, bowling, an arcade, a go-kart track, a children’s playground, and various lawn games. Additionally, an indoor lawn and stage area would allow for special events and concerts.
Representatives with TS Entertainment declined to comment further at this time.