How to go
What: Pokemon Go in the Champion City
Where: Champion City Guide & Supply, 137 E. Main St., Springfield
When: 5:30 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 4
Admission: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/ChampionCityGuideSupply/
What will happen when this summer’s hottest craze, Pokemon Go, collides with a modern classic game, The Amazing Race? An added challenge to the game seemingly everybody is playing.
Family fun and a chance to socialize downtown is the goal of “Pokemon Go in the Champion City,” 5:30 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 4, at Champion City Guide & Supply, 137 E. Main St., which will host the free event.
“This will be a great way to bring people together,” said Kelcie Webster, visitor center and marketing coordinator for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
While final details were still being worked out as of press time, Webster said the challenge will add twist to Pokemon Go and slant toward local landmarks that will encourage people to keep exploring the city.
The playing area will encompass roughly the area of downtown Springfield and the Heritage Center to Veterans Park. The game will go for about two hours and prizes will be awarded in several categories.
Champion City will even provide portable chargers for players whose phone batteries run low.
Webster is enthused as she’s not only an organizer but also an active Pokemon Go player. She and her fiance plan days to play, and the exercise factor participants get is a bonus.
“I feel a lot better for all the walking I do. I put on my Nikes and hike for Pokemon and discover new places,” she said.
People are welcome to come to the event beginning at 5 p.m. when beverages will be available as well as a food from Thai1On. Webster was also working on getting a band for live music to add to the atmosphere.
This will be Champion City Guide & Supply’s contribution to downtown’s monthly First Friday events, although a day early. There will be in-store specials and everyone is welcome even if they don’t participate in the game.
Webster said if this is successful the public can look forward to similar events in the future.
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