Could the next Olympic curling champion learn the game in Novi?
That’s a possibility, as one of the first public sheets opened at the city’s newest entertainment venue.
The HUB Stadium opened in early May in the space formerly occupied by Lucky Strike at 44325 W. 12 Mile H-160 inside Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountainwalk. The center contains a wealth of options designed especially for group fun, including curling sheets, ax throwing and football bowling.
But curling is perhaps one of the center’s more unique features.
“Everyone’s excited,” Ashley Sharma, director of sales for the company, said. “You don’t get to go to many places and curl.”
The center took months to transform, completely changing the space. It sports several private gathering spots for parties, corporate events and more.
Curling is perhaps the big highlight at The HUB, Sharma said, especially since there aren’t many places open to the public to do such an activity, especially in the summer. Travis Powers, a member of the Detroit Curling Club, works at the curling manager for The HUB Stadium.
“Usually the first end is kind of a practice. After that, people are starting to get stones in place,” he said. “Just watching people do it and getting their rocks in play and some into the house and putting scores on the scoreboard, it’s very gratifying.”
In addition to the entertainment options, there are a multiple area to get a bite to eat. Looking for a higher-end experience? Try The Concession Stand, which, despite the name, is The HUB Stadium’s sit-down steak-and-seafood restaurant.
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Looking for more traditional pub fare? Hit up the bar in the middle of the entertainment section for items such as burgers and appetizers.
The space is a perfect attraction for booking larger events, something Sharma said has gotten a lot attention, even before it opened.
“We’ve had a lot of party bookings. We’ve had a lot of interest since last year,” she said. “We’re already beginning to sell out of December dates.”
The ax throwing also sports a different feel than other spots that have recently opened. Instead of markings directly on the wood, the throwing stalls have computers that beam lights onto the target, allowing participants to play a variety of games. HUB Stadium boasts stations both for smaller axes and larger axes.
About 1,700 people can be in the building at any given time between private events and other activities.
The Novi location is the second for the company, which began five years ago. Its first location is in the former Big Buck Brewery building seen along Interstate 75.
Sharma said The HUB Stadium is a perfect fit for the Twelve Mie Crossing at Fountainwalk complex.
“I know Lucky Strike back in the day was a hit. I know this plaza has really transformed into an entertainment complex. You’ve got movie theaters, dining,” she said. “At night, if you’re driving through here on a Friday or Saturday that Fountainwalk just has a life to it.”
Those interested in booking a space can do so by visiting thehubstadium.com.
Contact reporter David Veselenak at dve[email protected] or 734-678-6728. Follow him on Twitter @davidveselenak.