A portion of the former Towne Square Mall will soon be transformed into a multi-million-dollar entertainment destination, with Malibu Jack’s set to open one of its largest indoor theme parks in Owensboro.
The 109,000-square-foot project is being led by TS Entertainment LLC in partnership with Malibu Jack’s, which operates family entertainment centers across Kentucky and beyond. The Owensboro location will be the third largest in the chain.
Malibu Jack’s Owensboro will feature a 40,000-square-foot go-kart track, 12 lanes of bowling, 18 holes of miniature golf, a 6,000-square-foot laser tag arena, a Twist-N-Shout spinning coaster, bumper cars, a 10,000-square-foot soft play kids’ zone, a 4D motion theatre, and more than 100 arcade games. Plans also include corporate meeting space, birthday cabanas, and a casual restaurant.
“Malibu Jack’s is excited to announce our expansion into the Owensboro-Daviess County area,” said Terry Hatton, co-founder of Malibu Jack’s. “We look forward to bringing a premier indoor family entertainment experience to the community and creating a destination where families and friends can come together to make lasting memories.”
Construction and renovations will begin immediately, according to project officials, who said the development will bring new energy to the corridor while filling a long-time vacancy left by the mall’s decline.
“We believe in the potential of Owensboro and are confident that Malibu Jack’s Owensboro will become a premier entertainment destination,” said Tony Yager with TS Entertainment. “Our goal is to create a high-energy, interactive experience that appeals to families, young professionals, and visitors from across the region. Special thanks to the Kentucky Department of Tourism and the City of Owensboro for their incentive support and GOEDC for their partnership with our group.”
The attraction is expected to create 75 full-time and 50 part-time jobs. TSM Holdings LLC has already received approval for $2 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Tourism Development Act, which supports projects that strengthen local economies and tourism. Gov. Andy Beshear applauded the project.
“By supporting projects like this, we’re ensuring our record-breaking economy and tourism industry continue to see success while creating good jobs and supporting local communities like Owensboro,” he said.
City leaders also praised the announcement as a significant investment for both Owensboro’s economy and its appeal as a regional destination.
“Malibu Jack’s will be a game-changer for our community,” said Claude Bacon, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. “This project aligns perfectly with our mission to foster economic growth and create new opportunities.”
Mayor Tom Watson said the development is the kind of forward-looking project Owensboro needs.
“It will create new jobs, draw visitors, and bring exciting energy to our city,” he said.
City Manager Nate Pagan said the development represents “a new chapter of energy and opportunity for Owensboro.”
“This project will bring new jobs, attract visitors, and provide endless fun for families,” he said. “It’s exciting to see the South Frederica corridor come alive, and projects like this show what’s possible when vision meets community support.”
No opening date has been announced, but officials said Malibu Jack’s Owensboro will be designed as a year-round attraction where “rain or shine, the fun never stops.”
Malibu Jack’s has locations in cities including Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Ashland, as well as in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Texas.
