Potential Closure of Flight Would Open Door for Topgolf Concept

Ryan Pitkin April 2, 2019

2 minutes read

Flight employees are “playing it by ear” as rumors of a closure swirl. (Photo by Jayme Johnson)

Flight Beer Garden and Music Hall appears to be close to closing, which may answer some questions around a recent filing by Topgolf for the property. Following reports of its closing on Sunday, Queen City Nerve was told by a Flight employee on Tuesday that they “are not sure” when the bar will be shutting down and are currently “playing it by ear.”

[Update: Flight posted to social media minutes after this story was released stating that they will not be closing. “Although we have been fortunate to have multiple parties interested in our business we are still looking forward to serving our loyal customers.” We’ll continue to update as the story unfolds.]

Katherine Peralta with the Charlotte Observer reported in February that Topgolf filed initial paperwork to open an establishment at 314 N. College St., which is home to Flight. The space isn’t nearly big enough for one of Topgolf’s traditional venues, like its 65,000-square-foot establishment in southwest Charlotte, and the property owner assured Peralta in February that his company had no intentions of demolishing the building, which also hosts Lucky’s Bar & Arcade and Q.C. Social Lounge.

What’s more likely is that Topgolf plans to open one of its newer venues, a Topgolf Swing Suite. Launched in 2017, Topgolf Swing Suites is described in a 2018 press release from the company as “a next-gen simulator lounge that brings the excitement, fun and guest engagement of Topgolf to luxury hospitality and entertainment venues.”

According to the release, each Topgolf Swing Suite location features a massive screen with a variety of multi-sport games, as well as HDTVs, lounge seating and food and beverage offerings. Each bay hosts up to eight people.

A file photo of a Topgolf Swing Suite from the company’s website.

“Powered by industry-leading Full Swing simulators used by pros like Tiger Woods, Swing Suite is an immersive social experience that’s fun for non-golfers and golfers alike, ” said Topgolf Swing Suite President Ron Powers in the release. “It’s a perfect fit for hospitality entertainment venues seeking to expand guest engagement and maximize revenues.”

Topgolf spokesperson Carolina Jerome would not confirm that the property will be home to Charlotte’s first Swing Suite, only stating that, “We are working on bringing another Topgolf venue to Charlotte,” and that there was no further news at this time, but the February filing and potential Flight closure certainly tees things up for Topgolf.