Second level structures add playable space and an extra gameplay dimension to your laser tag arena. When considering a multi-level design, there are three key factors: Budget, Building Requirements, and Timing. The decision to include a second level must be made early in the planning process, as it impacts nearly every aspect of the build.
ASA or Mezzanine?
ASA stands for Area of Sports Activity. While many people refer to second-level structures as a "mezzanine," that term carries specific building code implications. A mezzanine, by code, requires ADA-compliant access - typically a ramp with a 1:12 slope ratio.
For laser tag, ADA exceptions may allow steeper ramps when the following conditions are met:
- The ASA does not exceed one-third of the ground floor area (the industry standard is 30%)
- The main level is 100% ADA compliant
- The game experience remains fair for all players - no bases, targets, or gates are exclusively accessible on the ASA
To understand the impact of ADA-compliant ramps, consider this example: a 10-foot-high second level with a 1:12 ramp requires a 120-foot-long ramp. That ramp consumes roughly 360 square feet of otherwise playable space, which translates to 3-5 fewer vests in operation and an estimated $50,000-$75,000 in lost annual revenue.
Building Requirements
Before committing to a multi-level arena, ensure your facility meets the following minimum requirements:
- 18-foot clear ceiling height - sufficient vertical clearance is essential
- Sufficient floor load rating - the ground floor must support the added structural weight
- Sprinkler system upgrade - adding a second level typically requires modifications to the existing sprinkler system
- Arena footprint of 2,800+ square feet minimum - smaller arenas generally cannot accommodate a second level effectively
Elevated Platforms
When a full ASA is not feasible, elevated platforms offer a practical alternative. These platforms are typically 4-6 feet high and are designed so that players cannot go underneath them.
While elevated platforms do not add playable square footage, they significantly improve the game experience by serving as strategic towers. Players gain a tactical height advantage, which adds another layer of excitement to gameplay.
Impact on Budget
Most municipalities require steel construction for second-level structures. Steel construction typically costs $85-$100 per square foot. To reduce costs, consider the following:
- Stick to regular shapes - avoid complex geometry
- Limit railings and cutouts to what is necessary
- Avoid unnecessary elevation changes within the second level
Wood construction is an alternative at $50-$60 per square foot, but there are drawbacks. Fire retardant treatment may push the cost to match or exceed steel. Wood also has lower longevity in a fog-filled arena environment and carries a lower resale value if you ever need to relocate or sell your equipment.
Income Potential
The general guideline is approximately 125 square feet per player. A 900-square-foot ASA adds capacity for roughly 7 additional players per game.
At an industry average of $12,000 per vest per year in revenue, those 7 extra vests generate an estimated $84,000 in additional annual revenue. Most operators see a return on investment within 12-16 months.
A word of caution: do not build a second level simply because your building allows it. A thorough competitive analysis must warrant the additional capacity. Building more space than your market demands will not generate the returns needed to justify the investment.