Laser Mania, a family-owned laser tag arena and retro arcade in Hattiesburg, has been a local staple for nearly 25 years. Founded in 1996 by Patrick Rothwell, the business initially thrived, offering a fun escape for children and adults alike. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the business was forced to close. After reopening, Rothwell handed the reins over to the Beall family, who had been involved with Laser Mania since its early days.
Janet Beall, an elementary school teacher and current co-owner of Laser Mania, recalls her initial reluctance to take over the business.
“When my husband came to me about taking over Laser Mania, I said, ‘are you crazy?’,” Janet said.
However, the promise of jobs for their children and the desire to preserve the business led the Bealls to take on the challenge.
Matthew Beall, Janet’s husband and co-owner, had worked at Laser Mania since its inception. As a computer animator, he even created the business's first television commercial.
“We had people coming in from all over, because we were the only laser tag place open,” Matthew said, reflecting on the early days of their ownership.
While other laser tag venues exist in the region, Laser Mania distinguishes itself with its use of coded lasers, offering more precise and skill-demanding gameplay. Emily Beall, the Bealls’ youngest child, currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, explained the difference.
“Other laser tag places have infrared lasers, while we have coded lasers,” Emily said. “These lasers are more precise and require players to be more skilled when it comes to their blasts.”
In addition to its unique laser tag experience, Laser Mania’s retro arcade remains a nostalgic draw for many.
“Laser Mania’s arcade runs on quarters. No cards, no tokens, nothing like that. We want kids to learn what we did; figure out what to spend their quarters on,” Janet added.
Despite Hattiesburg’s reputation as a college town, Laser Mania attracts visitors of all ages, including college students, fraternities, sororities, and even corporate groups like the local police department, who use the arena for training.
“We have fraternities and sororities come in, we get the band, we get BSU [Baptist Student Union],” Emily said. “We also get corporations, and the police department come in to use the arena as training.”
Matthew recalled an unforgettable moment when a woman in her 80s entered the arena with a blaster in hand and proudly declared, “Just call me Rambo!”
The Bealls pride themselves on creating a welcoming environment for all, emphasizing respect for others.
“We welcome everyone who fluff out before they come in. If people come in here ‘stinking,’ cussing, we tell them they need to air out, because there’s children here,” Matthew said.
As a nostalgic reminder of the 1980s for the Beall family, Laser Mania continues to offer a timeless experience where fun, camaraderie, and simple joys come together. The Bealls are committed to sharing that sense of nostalgia with future generations, ensuring that their laser tag arena remains a beloved part of the Hattiesburg community for years to come.