Blazer Tag Adventure Center has been a central hub for family entertainment in Austin since 1999. Now, 25 years later, the store’s new owners, Suneda Govind and Joe Michael Ramirez, are committed to maintaining the traditional arcade feel that Austin locals know and love, while adding a modern twist.
Meet the Owner
Thomas and Diana Maione opened Blazer Tag in what was formerly Southwood Theatre in 1999. They had visited Laser Quest, the old laser tag arena now located in the renovated Highland Mall, and thought they could recreate the concept in South Austin.
Blazer Tag is currently owned by President Govind and General Manager Ramirez, who has worked at Blazer Tag since he was 16 years old and spent his early years playing games at arcades.
“I would mow yards and raise money,” Ramirez said, “and I lived down the street, and when I’d raise like 40 bucks, my grandpa would drive me down there and we’d play laser tag and arcade games and stuff like that. So I was a fan before I actually had a job.”
Govind, who has a corporate background, said she and her family were considering buying the business, and as a mother of two teenagers, she loved Blazer Tag and thought it would be a great place for families to connect, especially in the age of mobile phones and social media.
“[Blazer Tag] “This place is open to all ages,” Govind said. “Teenagers, adults, anyone who wants to spend time together can come here and enjoy themselves, especially families like mine who are trying to get their kids out of the room.” [saying]”It’s great for them to say, ‘Come on, let’s spend some time together.'”
What they offer
Blazer Tag features more than 50 arcade games, ranging from classics like Tetris and Crazy Taxi to more recent favorites like NBA Hoops and Harpoon Lagoon. The laser tag arena is three stories high, with towers and ramps, and can be booked for solo or multiplayer games, as well as birthday parties, corporate events, field trips, and more.
Blazer Tag also has a kitchen and bar serving pizza, burgers, wings, snacks, beer, wine, soda and fountain drinks.
Govind and Ramirez are looking to improve and modernize the 25-year-old business, but also want to retain some of its charm through features such as the continued use of tokens instead of reloadable cards.
Ramirez said preserving the tradition comes with challenges, such as finding parts to repair old games, but there are processes in place to ensure the familiar experience can continue to be offered.
“As long as we have the parts to repair it, everything we need basically, we’re going to continue to offer this nostalgia-type experience,” Ramirez said. “As long as it doesn’t go out of style, we’re going to continue in this line.”