Game Show Battle Room

A Thursday morning in 1991, you’re 10 years old with a teeny tiny tummy ache – what’s a kid to do? You convince your parents you’re too sick, put your pajamas back on, grab a glass of Surge and some saltines to really “sell it,” and settle in on the couch until your poor school-attending siblings get home from school. The driving force for this day of hooky was undeniably the endless collection of game show after game show after game show that daytime TV offered. It was so glorious. Ever since those youthful days of the 90s, I’ve been obsessed with shows like this. In fact, it’s a dream of mine to be an actual contestant on a real game show. And this weekend, I discovered (probably) the closest thing I’m ever going to get to checking this item off my bucket list.

Our family decided to visit Game Show Battle Room in St. Louis Park, MN, to play some primetime goodness with a real-live host and everything! It was a little over an hour of hilarity, energy, joy, and some fierce smack talk. We all wanted to book another visit the moment our show ended. If that’s not a sign of a good time, I don’t know what is! It’s a guaranteed memory-maker for every last person, whether they were as games show-obsessed as I was – or not.

What is it?

Game Show Battle Room is a legit game show experience where you are IN the game. It’s an ideal group activity (think family, teammates, co-workers) that promises laughter and a light layer of competition that will make everyone smile. Groups as small as six people can book their own game show. We had 12 and it felt almost perfect. Your show will always be private to your group – love this and it helps with the comfort level for your more introverted players.

At the St. Louis Park location, you’ll walk in to the bright space and are welcomed to purchase snacks and beverages from the bar in the entryway. Sign your waivers, hang up your coats, and get ready for your 60 minute game show, starting with an introduction of your producer and host. You’ll get verbal instructions, divide into teams, fill out comical name tags, and practice your applause before entering the game show arena.

Game Show Battle Room offers two show options – Classic and Primetime. You can read about the different showdown options on their website. You will play three games in your showdown, ranging from survey guessing to spinning wheels, to guessing prices, matching answers, and more.

Fit for what ages?

Our group is an ideal example of the wide range of ages to which this adventure can cater. We had a 9 year-old and we had a 71 year-old, and many ages in between. The full gamut completely LOVED IT and understood the games with ease. Our host was excellent at catering to each age individually, giving the younger ones a hint or two while poking fun at the ones who most definitely were asking for it (ahem, my dad). Nothing was inappropriate or overly physical. Honestly, though the website recommends 10+, any and all ages would get a kick out of participating in a Game Show Battle Room. Kids under 15 do need adult accompaniment.

How much are we talkin?

Tickets to participate as an in-person contestant are $34.95/contestant no matter your age. I guess they have a virtual option as well which is $24.95, but this is certainly one of those “better in real life” adventures (in my opinion).

You’ll need to book your shows online 1-3 days or more in advance. You can add more players after your initial registration by calling the venue. Parking is free in the West End.

Want some tips?

Some pointers worth mentioning:

• Book your game show online early enough to get the date and time that works for everyone. If you have to reschedule for another day/time, you can for free so long as it’s further than 48 hours out from your scheduled showtime.
• After you book online, you may as well fill out your online waivers. While you can also do this when you get there, I prefer having that logistical stuff behind me before arrival.
• After you sign up your group, you can still add more people to your group without issue by calling the location.
• Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled showtime. You’ll have time to grab a drink, get excited, and meet your host without rush. You can bring food and drink into the game room, by the way (wish I’d have known this before chugging my wine).
• If you have a group like ours, consider pre-making teams before you get there. We had some siblings we didn’t want on the same team, some brains we had to separate, etc. It worked out well for us but if you’re more of a spontaneous group, go old school and count off 1-2 or do the whole captains pick option.
• Oh, and if you love it so much you want to book again and again and again, the questions and games WILL be different. You won’t get a standard template every time. Plus, the hosts are incredibly improvisational, which was impressive and entertaining.

Hours and location

1661 West End Blvd | St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Game Show Battle Room in St. Louis Park is open 7 days a week, morning, noon, and night. Book online and claim the date and time you want.

Parking is easy since the Shops at the West End have a giant free underground parking ramp. And go early or stay after to enjoy some of the dining and drinks available in the West End (I highly recommend hittin’ up the new Chi-Chis for a margarita and basket of chips).