Matt Hoppes, a seasoned entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, is bringing an exciting new form of entertainment to Lycoming County with the launch of Billtown Escape Rooms. Located in Williamsport, the facility currently features eight virtual reality VR escape room experiences, where players use headsets to explore immersive digital environments in teams with friends, family, or colleagues.
“There are all kinds of levels of escape rooms, some just use simple locks, while others are like Disneyland. My goal was to create something that goes beyond typical expectations for Central Pennsylvania, without going over the top,” said Hoppes. His approach blends cutting-edge technology with accessibility, offering an experience that’s both innovative and community-focused.
In addition to the VR offerings, Hoppes plans to expand the venue with two physical escape rooms by the end of the month. One will be an “island escape” scenario, where players must strategize their way off a deserted island. The other will offer a Wild West-themed adventure, challenging participants to defuse a bank bomb within an hour.
A Tech Evolution from Internet Services to Immersive Gaming
Hoppes is no stranger to technology. As the owner of River Valley Internet, a regional provider serving seven Pennsylvania counties, he’s been working with digital infrastructure for years. Venturing into the world of VR escape room gaming felt like a natural progression.
“We already work with a lot of tech, Wi-Fi, networking, and more. This just seemed like the logical next step. It’s a fun, interactive way to expand our capabilities while offering something new to the community,” he explained.
With this new business, Hoppes aims to bring fresh recreational opportunities to Williamsport residents while leveraging his tech background to ensure a seamless and immersive customer experience. His dual expertise in internet services and innovation positions Billtown Escape Rooms as a unique destination in the region.
Community Engagement and Special Launch Offers
To generate buzz and introduce locals to the concept, Billtown Escape Rooms is hosting a soft opening this week. During this limited-time launch phase, VR escape room experiences are available at a discounted rate of $15 per person for groups of four to five players. “It’s an introductory offer to get our name out there and let people try something new,” said Hoppes.
Looking ahead, a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event are planned for the first week of July. Hoppes envisions the escape rooms becoming a go-to attraction for both casual players and team-building events, combining fun, strategy, and technology under one roof.
With the arrival of Billtown Escape Rooms, Williamsport gains not only a new entertainment venue but also a testament to how local innovation can bring global trends home, offering Central Pennsylvania residents a thrilling and modern escape from the everyday.
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