A New Era of Family Fun on the Southside
Cinergy Entertainment breaks ground with the aroma of buttered popcorn filling the air on September 5 as Corpus Christi city officials and company representatives gathered near South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road. The ceremony marked the launch of a 90,000-square-foot family entertainment center that will soon rise in the city’s Southside.
Construction Timeline and Expectations
According to Cinergy, construction will begin before the end of 2025. The entertainment center will open its doors on or before September 30, 2028. While the project’s completion may feel distant, city leaders emphasized that the long-term benefits will be worth the wait.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni described the mood as enthusiastic. “Everyone is excited to walk through the doors once the center opens,” he said. City Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxson echoed his remarks, stressing that the facility will provide both recreation and economic opportunity.
Connecting Communities and Creating Jobs
Paxson said city leaders carefully chose the location for its accessibility. Positioned between Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the rapidly expanding Southside, the site will serve as a hub for families, students, and residents across the region.
Paxson told attendees that families across the community will soon have a place to gather and enjoy. She added that the location bridges Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with the city’s fast-growing Southside, calling it only the beginning of future projects like this.
In addition to fun and games, the development will generate new employment opportunities. City officials believe it will boost Corpus Christi’s reputation as a regional destination for entertainment.
Expansions Announced at Groundbreaking
Cinergy Entertainment surprised attendees by revealing plans for two expansions alongside the main project. The first will add a 40,000-square-foot, three-level go-kart facility, while the second will feature an outdoor mini-golf course.
Even without the expansions, the center promises a variety of attractions, including:
- Bowling lanes
- A large arcade
- Escape rooms
- Full-service food and drink options
- Multiple movie theaters
City Support and Economic Impact
The City Council gave unanimous approval in July to a resolution to provide a tax rebate of up to $4.15 million over 15 years to support Cinergy’s development. Leaders explained that this incentive aims to attract lasting investment and improve the standard of living in the Southside.
Despite the rebate, the project will still provide significant revenue for the community. Once completed, the center could generate nearly $2 million in property taxes for Corpus Christi over 15 years.
Additionally, the project will collectively distribute almost $7 million to Nueces County, Del Mar College, the Nueces County Hospital District, and the Corpus Christi Independent School District during the same period.
A Step Toward a More Vibrant Southside
For years, Southside residents have called for more recreational and family-friendly destinations. Now, as Cinergy Entertainment breaks ground, the development — backed by local government and private investment — shows real progress in meeting those community needs.
With its mix of indoor attractions, planned expansions, and long-term benefits, the Cinergy Entertainment Center is more than just a business venture. It represents a major investment in Corpus Christi’s future growth, livability, and family lifestyle.