New entertainment brand is ahead of the game

Who hasn't dreamed of competing on a TV game show? Who hasn't wanted to match wits against opponents? Well, Great Big Game Show gives ordinary people the chance to shine. 

Complete with a live host, flashing lights, booming music, a spin wheel and game-show buzzers, the experience is a one-hour adrenaline rush designed to recreate the nostalgia of those primetime television shows.

Contestants on Great Big Game Show can be friends, family or co-workers, split into two teams and facing off head-to-head in a variety of mini-games based on shows like “Jeopardy!” or “Family Feud.” A live host keeps the energy high by encouraging fun competition while moving through a series of six to eight challenges.

Thomas Jenkins is the general manager for Great Big Game Show in Murray, located inside Fashion Place Mall (6191 S. State St.), next to the P.F. Chang’s restaurant. He said since the venue opened in January, it’s experienced a rise of visibility and interest.

“We are a family-friendly business. There are no crazy jokes, no cursing from our hosts. To make sure the experience works for everyone, we have the option to make trivia questions easier if we need to or harder, depending on how they want their experience to be,” he said. “It’s meant for anyone from 6 to 99 because at the end of the day, we’re customizable to everyone.”

Games are chosen randomly from about 18 options, but guests can request certain games when they make reservations. For returning guests, the host ensures they don’t play the same games, unless requested. Jenkins said they’re always testing new games to find ways to engage visitors in different and exciting ways.

“Those teams are racking up points, seeing who gets a great big win at the end. It’s very competitive, very interactive.”

Whether it’s trivia games, drawing competitions, memory challenges or firing a blaster at on-screen targets, Great Big Game Show is a fast-paced experience, similar to being on a game show soundstage, but without the audience. The host explains the games and rules, with a focus on inclusion and fun.

The high-energy hosts lead guests through the interactive TV-style games. It’s their job to keep things moving, engage participants, and track the players to ensure everyone is having a great time. Jackson Marsh is an experienced lead at Great Big Game Show who gets to practice his performance skills during each show.

“I enjoy it a lot because I come from a theater background and I really love the performing aspect,” he said. “We’ve got different film majors and people who are fantastic at dancing, so it’s all sorts of performers. Or if you’re great at marketing or any kind of front-facing thing, or if you have soft skills, that’s very helpful.”

Great Big Game Show is a Nashville-based private entertainment company that felt Utah would be the perfect place for its concept. Along with the game show, participants can also try The Escape Room right next door. Because the venue is not a franchise, it allows the company to create a more disciplined version of its experiential entertainment.

Tickets are $38.99 for all guests (children age 4 and under are free), but there are regular deals like $25 tickets for students on Wednesday, or a $250 Sunday show for up to 14 players. Guests also receive a 30-second highlight reel filled with their games’ most exciting moments.

Jenkins said Great Big Game Show is perfect for social outings, birthday parties and team-building activities.

“The best reason to come here is that we are always changing,” he said. “Since we are infinitely replayable, we are always looking to add more games and change it up. So not only can you come in and play a different show, but you’ll also get new games.”

For more information, visit greatbiggameshow.com/murray.