TOCA has taken a long-term lease for the venue with the Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG Europe and Crosstree Real Estate Partners who own and manage Icon Outlet and the Entertainment District at The O2.
Founded by Eddie Lewis, a two-time U.S. World Cup and former MLS and English Premier League midfielder TOCA Social has signed to kick start its global expansion at The O2, London. Located within the Entertainment District alongside, leisure anchors including Hollywood Bowl, and Oxygen Freejumping indoor trampoline park the brand will open its doors next year, in summer 2021. TOCA is the world’s first interactive football entertainment concept that features inclusive gaming experiences which leverage TOCA’s proprietary Touch Trainer and AI-enabled computer vision technologies, state-of-the art customized games, modern chef-driven food and beverages, and world-class social events.
TOCA is partnering with Gensler, the world’s leading design and architecture firm, to develop a one-of-a-kind, immersive football environment. The brand currently owns 12 football training centers in Southern California, the Pacific Northwest (including Vancouver, B.C.) and Georgia, and has 18 affiliates throughout North America.
Yoshi Maruyama, TOCA’s CEO commented: “We are thrilled to select The O2 in London to debut TOCA Social, the world’s first football entertainment experience, which will transform football from a sport regularly played by only a small portion of the fans into a lifetime connection of active participation, fun, play and community for everyone.”
Alex Harman, President of TOCA Social, added: “The O2 is Europe’s most iconic family leisure and retail destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually from the UK and throughout the world. It is the perfect launchpad for our mission to bring the joy of playing football to everyone.”
Alistair Wood, EVP of Real Estate and Development for AEG Europe commented: “We are delighted to welcome TOCA Social to The O2, a great endorsement of the venue as the leading retail and leisure destination in London. TOCA Social will become a major cornerstone as we further develop The O2, adding to a mix that already includes London’s largest cinema complex and a great retail offering with shopping at Icon Outlet, alongside the world’s leading music venue.”
TOCA Social complements the day-out destination offer at The O2 for families, couples and friends. As well as Oxygen Freejumping indoor trampoline park and Hollywood Bowl this includes London’s largest cinema with a 19 screen Cineworld multiplex. Up at The O2, the 90 minute roofwalk, which is suitable for ages 8+ has also now reopened with reduced capacity climbs offering an exhilarating view from the top of The O2.
Lunson Mitchenall are the leasing agents for Food & Beverage and Leisure at The O2.
