Westfield builds on O2 success with more TOCA Social venues in UK, Europe

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jun 4, 2024

Shopping centres are continuing to link-up with partners providing experiences as a way to drive greater retail footfall. And now malls giant Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is expanding its experiences format via a partnership with TOCA Football.

The partnership represents “a powerful convergence of two industry leaders” with URW set to open the “world’s first immersive football and dining experience venue”. It said it’s “enhancing the retail landscape with innovative and engaging experiences”.

The 3,495 sq m space will open at Westfield London in 2025 with additional locations planned, including the recently expanded Westfield CNIT in La Défense, Paris.

TOCA Social currently operates at The O2 entertainment venue in London (which also has an outlet mall that will benefit from the extra footfall). This has been “delivering strong profitability” with the venue having attracted over 300,000 visitors in 2023.

The new association aims to “transform the world’s largest sport, to a global audience,” says TOCA Co-Chairman and founder Erik Anderson.

It aims to invite friends and families to ‘Eat, Drink and Score’, combining “immersive football-based gaming with five-star food and drink”.

Guests choose from a variety of interactive games, enabled by innovative ball delivery and tracking technology, designed for all ages, abilities and football interests, “making it accessible and inclusive for all”.

Anne-Sophie Sancerre, Chief Customer and Retail Officer from URW, said: “Experience-led sectors are growing within our portfolio.

“Our partnership with TOCA allows us to bring this innovative, first-ever entertainment concept to Continental Europe, continuing to provide the unique experiences which customers expect from Westfield shopping centres.”