During a recent visit to the newly opened Topgolf in Woodbury, Minn., alongside the upcoming Main Event arcade set to open next door, the outing proved to be well worth it, even in freezing conditions. Despite the cold, the setting remained lively and interactive, especially for groups, as I experienced firsthand when I went with two others. In a high-energy environment, Topgolf offers strong social appeal, a fun setup and better-than-expected food, though a few comfort issues stood out. Even so, the venue is a strong addition to the area, with Topgolf and Main Event coming together to form a larger entertainment location. To better understand the visit from multiple junior perspectives, frequent visitor Mya Cheney and employees Maddie Beeksma and Kallie Bailey offered insight into how the new location functions and what it brings to the Woodbury community.
Beyond its surface-level appeal, the Woodbury location reflects a broader shift in the design of entertainment spaces, blending sports, technology and social interaction into a single setting. For frequent visitors, the differences between this location and others become especially noticeable, particularly in how the upgraded system improves gameplay and feedback.
“The new Topgolf in Woodbury is definitely an upgrade. The technology is a lot better. Instead of tracking the ball with a chip, it uses lasers, which are more accurate. You can also see your distance, carry and ball speed right on the screen,” Cheney explained.
While technology plays a major role in shaping the visit, accessibility remains just as important. A key part of Topgolf’s reputation is how easily new players can step in and participate without prior experience, creating an environment that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.
Similar to the Brooklyn Center location, the Woodbury Topgolf is “very beginner-friendly. The screens are easy to use and pretty self-explanatory, and the staff are really nice and will help you if you need anything,” Cheney added.
That simplicity carries into how everything is set up. From ordering food to taking turns, the process felt straightforward, allowing our group to focus more on enjoying the time than on figuring things out. Playing for about an hour and a half, it never felt rushed or overly complicated, which made it easy to stay engaged the entire time.
Outside of the playing itself, the overall environment shapes first impressions. From the moment guests walk in, the space is designed to feel active and welcoming, setting the tone for the rest of the visit.
“They usually seem pretty excited and happy when they first walk in, especially if they have never been to Topgolf before,” Beeksma said.
Even during quieter times, the setting maintained that sense of energy, though it felt calmer than crowded. The staff also contributed to that experience, remaining patient and helpful throughout, especially when handling smaller details like my group figuring out the plan for splitting the bill, which they managed without making it feel like a hassle.
While guests mostly see the finished product, much of what keeps Topgolf running smoothly happens out of sight. From training to daily tasks, staff have to adapt quickly in these places, especially at a brand-new location.
“It was hard getting started and learning everything, because no one really knew what they were doing at first. You can’t really ask questions to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing,” Bailey said.
This learning period reflects the challenges of opening a new location, where both employees and systems are still adjusting, even as the building continues to grow in popularity. Despite that effort, small issues still appeared. At times, the tees felt slightly unbalanced, making it harder to keep the ball in place, and the overhead heaters struggled to keep up with the cold, leaving us freezing for most of the visit. While they are not dealbreakers, these details affected overall comfort, especially during my first visit to the new location.
The food added another layer to the visit. The Funday Faves Platter came out looking fresh and well put together, with everything neatly arranged and matching the menu’s expectations.
Each item brought something different. The fried chicken sliders stood out most, with a crispy exterior, juicy interior and toppings like bright red tomatoes and dill pickles that added noticeable flavor. The mac and cheese bites, a recommendation from Beeksma, had a strong textural contrast, with a golden exterior and a creamy center. The pretzel bites were soft and warm at first, though they cooled quickly and hardened slightly over time. The queso paired well overall, though it thickened and formed a slight top layer, while the chips were simple and best eaten immediately before going stale. The mild salsa provided the balance needed for the rest of the meal, although it was slightly watery. Overall, the platter worked well as a shareable option, offering enough variety that everything felt worth trying and easy to split among the group.
Aside from Topgolf itself, the upcoming addition of the Main Event arcade next door is expected to expand the area into a more complete destination. While an exact opening date has not been confirmed, it is expected to open in the next few months and will feature arcade games, bowling and additional indoor attractions for all ages.
Beeksma believes that the two venues are likely to serve as a combined outing, giving visitors more reasons to stay longer and move between activities throughout the night, since people usually only spend a couple of hours or less at Topgolf.
The new location succeeds in delivering a setting that feels accessible, social and enjoyable for a wide range of visitors. Its strongest moments come from the mix of technology, energy and group interaction. While comfort issues, especially in colder conditions, were noticeable, they didn’t take away from the overall value of the visit. With the Main Event on the way, the area is aiming to grow more community-friendly. For those looking to switch up their routine, Topgolf Woodbury offers a fun, great option.
