Mall of America go-karting and virtual reality gaming attraction Smaaash Entertainment USA closed this week—seemingly overnight. A mall employee said he walked by Monday and saw patrons playing within the high-tech arcade. On Tuesday, the 40,000-square foot entertainment attraction was shuttered, its signs removed. Smaaash has been eliminated from Mall of America’s website and its own U.S. website is no longer active.
MOA officials confirmed the closure but declined to offer details about the circumstances.
Based in India with locations in Dehli, Mumbai and beyond, Smaaash opened its first U.S. center at MOA in late 2016. At the time, its founders said the build-out, which included a multi-level go-kart track, 3D virtual roller coaster, restaurant and bar, cost $12 million. Smaaash officials said they would open other U.S. locations, but those plans did not materialize.
Last year, it was reported that the Minnesota Vikings were suing smash for defaulting on payment of a sponsorship agreement.
Source: TCBMag.com