ParadropVR soars into the future of sportainment as part of new hi-tech Spa
Frontgrid, the global leader in immersive and adventurous virtual reality attractions, is proud to announce the installation of three ParadropVR Pod units at the newly opened Sparkx Sportainment Park in Ghent — the second site for Belgium’s rapidly growing sportainment brand.
ParadropVR combines motion-based engineering and immersive gamified content to create a sensational self-controlled flying experience in virtual reality.
The new 4,800-square-metre Ghent venue features over fifty sporting activities, including motorcycle racing, ice hockey, and immersive paragliding with ParadropVR.
Frontgrid CEO, Matt Wells, said: “ParadropVR is such a perfect fit for the venue and Sparkx, which is on a mission to support the well-being of generations by bringing people and sport together with fun and innovative experiences.”
Sparkx, which debuted its first park in Hasselt in 2023, has already attracted more than 300,000 visitors and is redefining active leisure with its fusion of sports, gaming, and technology.
Each Sparkx park combines physical activity and digital gamification.
Matt said: “Matt said: “We are proud to have been part of the first Sparkx park in Hasselt, where ParadropVR Pod has already proven to be a popular experience with guests. We are delighted to partner with them again for this second opening in Ghent and we are excited about the trajectory they are on with their further ambitions.”
Among the highlights at the new park are three ParadropVR Pods, which deliver a thrilling, gamified flying adventure. Players experience the sensation of paragliding in stunning virtual landscapes, controlling descent speed and flight path through physical movement. With real-time scoring, solo and multiplayer modes, the ParadropVR Pod is a proven attraction that fits seamlessly within Sparkx’s tech-powered sports offering.
The ParadropVR units have been configured to be activated by an RFID wristband, which the participant uses as they move around the venue as an identifier, meaning their overall scores and performance are collated across their experiences into an overall leaderboard.
Matt Wells, who went to the opening event on July 3rd, said it was great to see people of all ages, from children through to Mums and Dads and Grandmothers and Grandfathers enjoying the park and the exhilarating flying experience ParadropVR provides – giving them a highly refined motion-based experience they just could not get at home.
Matt Wells, CEO of Frontgrid. “This is more than just another venue — it’s a vision of the future. Sportainment is booming across Europe, and Frontgrid is excited to be a small part of that evolution. With ParadropVR, we’re helping to make adventure sport more immersive, accessible, and exciting for the next generation of visitors. And with the opportunity to compete against your friends and track your score on a global online league, the installation offers a fresh perspective on competitive socialising.”
Sparkx integrates AR simulators, esports, and VR-based extreme sports into its parks — offering visitors everything from virtual dodgeball (HADO) to wingsuit flying simulators.
Its Ghent park will be open daily throughout the summer, catering to families, schools, businesses, and private groups. With a holistic focus on mental and physical well-being, Sparkx’s mission is to inspire lifelong sports participation — one adrenaline-pumping experience at a time.
With plans to expand across Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Sparkx is setting the pace in Europe’s sportainment sector — and Frontgrid’s ParadropVR is flying high at the heart of it.
Frontgrid provide a variety of pre-built and custom made attractions for venues around the globe. Whether its gamification, or edutainment, Frontgrid can tailor your venue’s needs to whatever requirements.
