Of all the greatest athletes in the world in the history of their respected sports, I think this may very well be the first time I’ve ever heard of one getting their own theme park. However, there’s a first time for everything. As it turns out Lionel Messi is more than just one of the greatest soccer players of all-time, he’s also the inspiration for a new theme park that’s under development. No, really. According to Variety,
China’s Phoenix Group and Spain’s Mediapro Group will be looking to capitalize on that popularity boom by attaching one of the biggest names in the history of the sport to their new project, the Messi Experience Park (MEP). The soccer-themed park will be located in Naijing China and offer visitors an gateway to “all things Messi,” according to the partners.
The park will feature more than 20 attractions in a 150,000 square-foot indoor facility. Additionally, there will be 40,000 square-feet of playing fields and 82,000 square-feet of public space. Messi Experience Park is set to open in early 2019.
The project has been under development for more than two years, receiving additional support from the Sancel Group, as well as designers from Catalan firm Daw Office.
As any soccer fan might tell you, China’s impact on the game has been nothing short of profound in the last five years. As to whether or not a Lionel Messi theme park will help capitalize on that impact remains to be seen. I just hope this place doesn’t scare the crap out of children.
Once we get some pictures and more info we’ll update you.
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