SportsWorld was a family entertainment center at the Paramus Towne Square shopping center, located on 200 Route 17 in Paramus, New Jersey. Advertised as an indoor "amusement park", it operated from September 1, 1991 to February 12, 2006.
Indoor features[]
SportsWorld had many indoor attractions such as:
- Motion simulation theater.
- Bumper cars.
- Other rides, including a Himalaya ride and tea cups.
- Bowling alley.
- Over 100 arcade game cabinets.
- A children's play area with tubes and slides.
- Pizzeria.
- Haunted house (seasonal).
- LaserTron (similar to Laser tag).
- Miniature golf.
The arcade/known games[]
All machines used specially-designed SportsWorld tokens. Many games would award players tickets based on their score. Players could then take their tickets up to a prize counter and reward themselves from a variety of items, such as: school supplies, mood rings, stuffed animals, or small electronics.
- Dance Dance Revolution (several)
- House of the Dead
- Initial D
- Time Crisis
- Time Crisis II
- Others
Closing[]
SportsWorld unfortunately closed on February 12, 2006 and the space was taken over by a Raymour & Flanigan furniture store. The owner of SportsWorld was never very vocal about why the popular arcade had to close. However, an inspection was performed and asbestos was found in the vents and walls causing it to permanently shut down as a prevention from public health hazards. After almost 15 years of fun memories, the community is nostalgic and wishes for its return.
External links[]
- The oasis on Route 17 by Amy Kuperinsky at NJ.com (2021-12-01)
- Token - Sportsworld Amusement Park at Numista