Virtual reality entertainment is transporting players beyond the screen in Atlantic Park.
“It’s a totally unique experience that you really have to see to believe,” franchise owner Scott Boren said. “It’s a great product, and I love seeing how much people love it.”
Sandbox VR’s Virginia Beach spot — the company’s second location in the commonwealth — opened Friday near The Dome and coming surf park. Since launching in Hong Kong in 2016, the now California-based business operates over 55 locations worldwide, according to its website.
Boren, who worked in finance and lived in Hong Kong before becoming a franchisee, originally planned to open a Sandbox VR in Nashville, Tennessee. However, Virginia Beach’s vibrant population and tourism scene captured his attention.
“It’s a rising tide, and I was just happy to be a part of it,” he said.
The games are socially immersive, and teammates can see, hear and interact with one another. Prices range from $55 to $60 per player for each session, which includes roughly 30 minutes of gameplay.
Groups of two to six people choose from nine games: Rebel Moon: The Descent, Deadwood Phobia, Squid Game Virtuals, Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire, Deadwood Valley, Deadwood Mansion, Curse of Davy Jones, Amber Sky 2088 or Unbound Fighting League (UFL). Players wear haptic vests, motion sensors on their wrists and ankles and headsets.
Players wear haptic vests, motion sensors on their wrists and ankles and headsets at Sandbox VR’s new Virginia Beach location. (Maddie Mohamadi / The Virginian-Pilot)
Each experience varies in intensity and age appropriateness. While there is no minimum age requirement, guests should be at least 4 feet tall to play. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult to sign a minor waiver form.
The Atlantic Park location has an event room and four game rooms. If there is enough demand, the event room will turn into a fifth game room, Boren said.
In addition to birthday parties and other social events, Boren hopes to host team-building exercises for local companies.
“We’re in the business of making memories,” he said.
Maddie Mohamadi, madeleineleila.mohamadi@virginiamedia.com
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If you go
When: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Where: 415 19th St., No. 104, Virginia Beach
Cost: $55 to $60 per person
Details: sandboxvr.com/virginiabeach/location
Originally Published: August 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT