A sports and leisure venture from Taiwan has arrived in Houston, with the aim to bring America’s favorite pastime to a broader audience.
Taroko Sports unveiled its first American venue in Katy last week, featuring 12 state-of-the-art batting cages, two pitching mounds, and a wide range of arcade games spread over 20,000 square feet.
“With this opening, we are thrilled to bring a unique entertainment concept to one of Houston’s fastest-growing and most vibrant communities,” Gordon Hsieh, founder and CEO of TRK Corporation, said in a statement. “We view Taroko as a place for all ages and baseball skill levels, and we are excited to welcome those who have hopes of playing in the big leagues to those who have never picked up a baseball bat before to our concept.”
Players can channel their inner Jose Altuve regardless of experience, with fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball cages, as well as eight baseball lanes featuring adjustable pitch speeds from 50 mph to 80 mph. For those who dream of being the next Framber Valdez, Taroko has two pitcher mounds with pitching challenges to complete.
“Batting cages have become ubiquitous with training and are too often seen only as a means for serious baseball athletes to improve their hitting prowess as they seek to advance in their career,” Hsieh said. “Our goal is to broaden the appeal of the batting cage, which can be fun for all baseball skill levels, and bring it out of tucked away facilities.”
Located at 24539 Katy Freeway, this venue offers much more than just baseball. Its expansive arcade boasts games such as basketball, air hockey, first-person shooters, and electronic darts. Patrons can try their hand at miniature bowling (no special shoes required) and experience immersive 5D racing simulators. A card system is used to pay for each attraction, with prices varying accordingly.
When it’s time to refuel, Taroko offers a menu featuring pizzas priced from $11 to $21 and chicken wings for $12. Customers can also enjoy $4 appetizers, including tots, fries, corn dogs, and pretzels. With beer and wine available, plus 13 large-screen TVs — 8 dedicated exclusively to sports — it’s easy to watch an Astros game with friends before hitting the batting cages.
The Katy launch sets the stage for a broader expansion, with venues planned in California, Arizona, New York, Florida, and throughout Texas. TRK Corporation is no stranger to expansion, having concepts spread across 36 international locations.
Taroko Sports is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to midnight.
