This video story reported and produced by Gabriel Glassman. Web editing by Harriette Hanley.
SimCenter Tampa Bay owner Peter Repak offers guests a variety of virtual reality experiences.
Growing up in Hungary, Repak always wanted to be a commercial pilot but did not have the money to go to flight school. When he moved to the United States, he wanted to join the Air Force, but did not speak English. He grew a desire to help others achieve what he never could.
“Everybody is a dreamer,” Repak said. “Everybody dreams. Most of us will never reach what we really dream of.”
He began reconstructing an airplane using a throttle stick and a small monitor. Starting in Repak’s living room as a Boeing 737 replica, SimCenter Tampa Bay has grown into a fully immersive VR arcade.
Visitors can experience the numerous VR modes for $1-$2 per minute, or can buy memberships that offer varying amount of benefits according to the purchase. Patrons can attend special events and receive store discounts and play unlimited games for $10 an hour.
“It’s a very extremely unique arcade that, as far as I know, exists nowhere else,” Repak said.
Flight is not the only program SimCenter Tampa Bay has to offer. From under the sea to the deepest reaches of the solar system, virtual reality can take guests anywhere. There is a Formula 1 race car simulation, and guests can pilot a fighter jet across the United States. There is also a fully immersive zombie apocalypse simulation.
“Virtual reality is an incredible insight to things you always wanted but you could never do,” said Repak.
Repak also believes virtual reality technology is the future of fields such as the military, medicine and gaming.
“It’s just fun,” Repak said. “There is not a day where I don’t want to come in to work.”
For more information, visit SimCenter’s website.
