The FIFA World Cup 2022 is behind us and in just three years it’ll be coming to our doorstep after Dallas was selected as one of the North American host cities at the 2026 World Cup games.
If you’ve still got World Cup nostalgia and are eager for the years to roll on to 2026 we’ve got just the remedy.
Dallasites will this year have the opportunity to get into the spirit of the game at the buzzworthy new TOCA Social that’s scheduled to open this coming spring.
The soccer-based social and dining entertainment experience, which is the first of its kind in the US, is bringing a three-pronged attack of gourmet food, themed cocktails, and shooting footballs to the Design District.
The perfect hat trick if we do say.
The 56,000 square feet facility in the Design District on Riverfront Boulevard will offer four bars and 34 soccer pods for games that can house up to 12 participants all spread out over three stories.
Worry not, if you’re planning a date you need not ditch your smart shoes or high heels. Turning up you’ll be offered a fresh pair of soccer cleats and sports socks like you would do at a bowling alley.
“Dallas is just the start of TOCA Social’s rollout across America. The multi-level, industrial-style building offers friends and families an incredible sweeping view of Downtown Dallas and the skyline, as well as a unique place to eat, drink and play” reads a Toca Social page dedicated to its first U.S. location.
Dubbed “the world’s first interactive and socially competitive soccer entertainment experience” TOCA Social has a selection of four games with a range of levels for each game. Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced options mean both seasoned soccer players and those who have never kicked a ball before can enjoy the experience in equal measure.
The “Striker” game puts your accuracy to the test with moving targets across an enormous screen scoring you points when you hit them.
“Atom Splitter” takes it up a notch with atomic targets exploding when you hit them and splitting off into smaller and smaller targets that score you more and more points the more minute they become.
The “Eliminator ” game, meanwhile, is designed to be played 1 vs 1 or in teams. Players must eliminate their opponents by knocking down the opposition’s defense while hitting their own targets to build and repair their own defense.
The “TOCA challenge” is for the more confident competitors who fancy themselves the next Christian Pulisic. With only one ball per round contestants must make their way through 15 levels hitting targets that get harder and faster at each level all the time avoiding danger zones that result in immediate elimination.
In between games, players can enjoy drinks and food inspired by “some of the best food cities in the world” led by Michelin-trained chef and food and beverage creative director, Ross Clarke.
There will also be a number of foosball tables situated around the venue if you’re having no luck at the real thing as well as the game ‘Crokinhole’ (pictured below), arcade machines, and photobooths.
“We are thrilled to be bringing TOCA Social to the U.S. and providing soccer fans with a truly unique and entertaining offering,” said TOCA CEO, Yoshi Maruyama.
“Guests will be able to experience soccer in a new and innovative way while socializing with friends over drinks and world-class cuisine. With games designed for all ages and abilities, TOCA Social truly is one of a kind and we are excited to keep expanding.”
TOCA Social will cater for events of all sizes, abilities, and tastes from retirement parties and corporate events to birthday parties and festive extravaganzas of all kinds.
Though for now the Dallas page on TOCA Social’s website says COMING SOON 2023 reports last year suggested the Dallas venue would open early this year. Secret Dallas has reached out for an opening date.
More information can be found at www.toca.social.
[Featured image courtesy of TOCA Social]