Whirlyball Business Gets Green Light From Naperville Officials

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville residents had better brush up on their WhirlyBall skills. The city approved a plan to build a 41,000 square foot WhirlyBall center, complete with bowling, minigolf, and laser tag, despite some concerns about parking arrangements, Daily Herald reports.

The main attraction at WhirlyBall, which has locations in Chicago, Vernon Hills, Lombard, and Colorado Springs, pits bumper car drivers against one another as they volley a ball toward opposing goals. The sport is a popular source of entertainment for groups of friend having a night out or celebrating a birthday or other special event.

In addition to its namesake activity, WhirlyBall's Naperville location is set to feature a laser tag field, a dozen bowling lanes, and a restaurant with outdoor seating.

WhirlyBall, which will make its home at 3103 Odyssey Court, will give an additional boost to Naperville's already booming entertainment revenue. The only factor city officials took issue with involved parking at the venue, according to Daily Herald.

Based on zoning codes, a facility of that nature in that location would have required 177 parking spaces. Instead, the plan was approved with just 150 spaces, leaving some council members worried about accommodating all the business they anticipate at WhirlyBall.

Daily Herald reports that some council members mentioned that neighboring TopGolf is often so busy that customers end up having to park on the street.

Nonetheless, plans for WhirlyBall in Naperville are moving forward. The site hopes to start welcoming competitors and partygoers by spring of 2019.

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