Red Arrow adding attractions

CLOVIS - In most small towns you'd struggle to find laser tag, mini golf, bowling, carnival rides and Bingo all in one place. But in just a few months, you'll be able to find all that and more under one roof in Clovis.

The Red Arrow Family Entertainment Center has been under construction the past two years. During that time, it's opened piece by piece with a Bingo hall, the Rock 'N' Roll Cafe, the Buffalo Grill restaurant and an arcade so far. But there's a lot more just on the horizon, according to management.

Within the next 120 days, Red Arrow intends to open the bulk of its attractions.

This includes a rock-climbing wall, laser tag arena, black light miniature golf course, food court, pizza buffet, candy shop and indoor carnival rides. There's also a 14-lane bowling alley in the works, but that's expected to take a little more time to finish up.

"Ideally, a family will come and be able to spend a whole day in here and still have something to do," said General Manager Jason Cooper.

Cooper sees Clovis as a hub, with many outlying community residents who want to spend time at Red Arrow.

"Ever since I came here I've heard people complaining there's nothing to do around here," Cooper said. "It's a hub city, which I don't think a lot of people realize. We've had people coming just for the restaurant and Bingo from Melrose, Tucumcari and Muleshoe and we've only opened one third of the building."

It's not just entertainment that Red Arrow is looking to provide either. According to Cooper, there are a lot of jobs to fill in a business as large and complicated as what Red Arrow is aiming to be. From managerial staff and human resources to cooks and attendants, there are a lot of roles to be filled and Cooper hopes it will be a stepping stone for many to get out and start their own businesses.

"I'm excited for the opportunities," Cooper said. "It's not just about having things for people to do, but jobs. My whole dream is for people to come in as attendants and to give them skills. How to operate a business, how to read a (profit and loss statement), how to manage a labor grid and do the paperwork for hiring and firing."

While Red Arrow is still finishing its main attractions, locals are already taking advantage of what it has to offer.

Amanda Finney brings her kids to play at the arcade every so often. She's looking forward to the new attractions so she can bring some of her older kids as well.

"I like it. It's something to do for my kids and they like it and it's something we've never really had before," Finney said. "My older boys like laser tag and they've been asking when it'll be open, so we're excited about it."