King of Prussia Mall is set to welcome Level99, an innovative experiential retail concept, in 2027. This sprawling "adult playground" will feature 50 life-size mini-games, a full-service restaurant, and a bar offering local craft beers, marking Level99’s debut in the Philadelphia market.
Key Takeaways
- Level99, a Massachusetts-based company, will open a 46,000-square-foot venue at King of Prussia Mall in 2027.
- The venue will offer 50 "life-size mini games" designed for adults, alongside a restaurant and bar.
- This expansion is part of a broader trend of experiential retail transforming malls nationwide.
A New Era of Entertainment
Massachusetts-based Level99 has announced its intention to open its next "sprawling adult playground" at the King of Prussia Mall in 2027. This marks the company’s first venture into the Philadelphia market. The expansive 46,000-square-foot venue is designed to be an immersive social-gaming experience, featuring 50 "life-size mini games" specifically geared towards adults. Complementing the gaming attractions, the venue will also house a full-service restaurant and bar, complete with a selection of local craft beers.
Matthew DuPlessie, founder and CEO of Level99, stated, "Level99 goes beyond your conventional entertainment venue — it’s a place to play, explore, and actively connect." The new location will occupy the ground floor of the former JCPenney building, which has been vacant since 2017. This strategic placement positions Level99 across from the highly anticipated Netflix House, an immersive experience set to open in November in the former Lord & Taylor space.
Elevating the Mall Experience
Mark Silvestri, president of development for mall owner Simon Property Group, expressed enthusiasm for the addition, saying, "We’re thrilled to welcome Level99 to King of Prussia, further elevating our commitment to delivering dynamic, experience-driven destinations. This innovative concept brings a new layer of interactive entertainment to King of Prussia and is a perfect complement to our growing lineup of immersive offerings."
The arrival of Level99 aligns with a national trend of experiential retail, which is helping malls adapt to the rise of online shopping by filling vacant spaces with unique attractions and drawing in customers seeking more than just traditional retail.
Regional Experiential Retail Growth
King of Prussia Mall is not alone in embracing experiential concepts. In the Philadelphia region, Cherry Hill Mall is preparing to open a 120,000-square-foot Dick’s House of Sport next year, featuring amenities like a climbing wall and golf simulators. Moorestown Mall is also set to introduce a large entertainment center with axe-throwing and go-karts in a former department store space. In Center City, the Fashion District is exploring additional experiential retail options following the success of venues like Puttshack mini golf and F1 Arcade.
In addition to the upcoming Netflix House, King of Prussia Mall recently welcomed Eataly, a 21,000-square-foot Italian marketplace and wine shop. Level99 itself has been expanding rapidly, with its flagship location opening in 2021 at Natick Mall near Boston, followed by openings in Providence, R.I., and Tysons, Va. Future locations are planned for Hartford, Conn., and Disney Springs in Orlando.
Pricing at existing Level99 locations typically starts at $29.99 per person for a two-hour play session, with potential increases for weekends, holidays, and extended playtimes. The company’s expansion is backed by Act III Holdings, a private-equity firm that has committed $50 million to support Level99’s growth into new markets, including Philadelphia.
Sources
- King of Prussia plans to open a Level99 gaming venue, Inquirer.com.
