The End of an Era at Ultrazone Baltimore

5 days ago
3 min read

I traveled down to Baltimore, MD to join some friends in giving a proper sendoff to a legacy laser tag facility that has meant a lot to many people in our laser tag community. Due to the closing of the Eastpoint Mall, we had to say goodbye to Ultrazone Baltimore, but not without a few loyal players turning up one last time to play on their final weekend of operation.

Kudos to Jason Helton, a former employee of this site, for coordinating a final gathering with a nice group of players including some former members, regulars and a few of us from the Armageddon tournament community.

When I arrived I found Eleni minding the front counter and chatting with some of my friends who arrived ahead of me. We gathered together and spent some time visiting before jumping into a few games. When the first game was called, everyone entered the briefing room inside this unique half-dome structure.

Meanwhile, Jason and I broke off from the group so he could interview me for his upcoming Photon documentary.

We found a quieter briefing room for the interview and what strikes me most while looking around is that the briefing rooms and the lobby area at Ultrazone have some AMAZING artwork.

I must say, I have been thoroughly impressed with all the original art I have seen at many of Simon’s Ultrazone properties and this one is no exception. Every part of this space has a really unique aesthetic.

When the interview was done, it was time to tag. This crew looks ready!

We vested up with Helios Pro as the game marshals directed the teams to the correct door to start the game.

RNT showed us all up. ;) Nice job, Greg!

I have not been inside this arena in quite a few years, so I spent that game re-exploring all the nooks and spaces.

However, I am glad that Josef (Nawala) messaged me from the other side of the country to request a walkthrough video to see the arena virtually, because that was the catalyst to my filming the space during a quick break between the games.

https://youtu.be/PeD-fS28Rb8?is=uf6LOTtvIX0-GOFg

I was so pleased to get to put on the gear and play here again while it was still possible. This night was a lot of fun.

For me, this was a tiny bit nostalgiic, but for others this place represents a very significant part of their past. Having lost a home arena years ago myself with no notice given to the members, I am glad that the closing of the mall was in the news early enough for a gathering to be organized. This was nothing formal, but it was important. During my interview for Jason I spoke about the sense of community that is fostered when you “find your tribe” at a laser tag center. Clearly, Ultrazone Baltimore meant a lot to many people and it was heartening to be part of playing here during this final weekend. On behalf of the players, let me say thank you to the staff here for making memories possible. If what I saw this night is any representation, they had a really good thing going and it is unfortunate that the closing of the mall is what is bringing this party to an end.

Lots of great memories were made here over the years and, while it is the end of an era, the memories and the magic live on in those who loved their time getting to play laser tag at Ultrazone Baltimore.