‘Topgolf-style’ robotics arena coming to Cedar Park

An Austin architectural and design firm plans to build a large arena for robotics competitions and entertainment in Cedar Park, according to a company spokesperson.

Gensler Austin, an architectural and design firm, announced plans Feb. 13 to build a “Topgolf-style” robotics arena and released renderings of what the facility might look like.

“While still in the early planning stages, the Cedar Park-based arena will be the first of its kind in the nation,” Gensler spokesperson Anuradha Koli said in an email. “In addition to hosting robotics competitions, the arena will also be open to the public as a ‘Topgolf-style’ venue for gamers and robotics enthusiasts.”

A specific lot has not yet been secured, but Gensler Austin plans to build in Cedar Park, according to Koli. Similar to Topgolf, the venue will be an entertainment destination serving food and drinks. In addition to competitions, customers may also be able to bring their own robots and drones or rent them on-site.

Gensler Austin also created the master plan for Indigo Ridge, a planned $1.5-billion development in Cedar Park. It is also helping design the Austin FC Stadium in Northwest Austin and the Moody Center on The University of Texas-Austin campus, according to its website.

The inaugural Robotters International Festival, a 10-nation competition, will be held Feb. 17-18 at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. At its Dec. 5 meeting, Cedar Park City Council approved the allocation of $45,000 to the festival from its hotel occupancy tax revenue. Council approved a total of $187,500 in hotel tax funding at the meeting.