From across the pond comes a new way to experience soccer in Dallas — TOCA style.
TOCA refers to the Spanish word for “touch.” It has come to signify “pass me the ball” in the context of soccer in Spain. In Spanish soccer slang, “toca, toca” means “let’s play fast!”
First launched in London at the O2, a live entertainment and retail destination, TOCA Social offers drinks, food, and interactive virtual reality soccer games all in one location.
The Dallas Design District is the backdrop for the new experience. What was once a 36,000-square-foot office space will be transformed into a three-story, 57,000-square-foot “playground” for soccer fans.
“We’re excited to bring TOCA Social, the world’s first interactive and socially competitive soccer entertainment experience, to the great city of Dallas,” Zach Shor, SVP, TOCA Social U.S., told WFAA.
TOCA Social opened in August 2021 in London, with more than 25,000 guests coming through its doors each month. Celebrities, social media influencers, and even the “Ted Lasso” cast could not resist the world-class cuisine, immersive games, and uber-social atmosphere.
As TOCA Social expands into the states, the company hopes to capitalize on the growing excitement for soccer in the U.S.
“TOCA experiences are all about enjoying soccer regardless of your skill level, and TOCA Social takes that a step further by offering a fun, social environment in addition to gamifying soccer in a new and casual way,” said Erik Anderson, TOCA co-chairman.
“We’ve seen great success with TOCA Social in the UK and look forward to keeping that momentum going here in the United States.”
The three-level complex will include 34 TOCA boxes — game-playing areas — with game simulator screens, much like golf simulators, that can each accommodate up to 12 players. Each box will have four modes of play, ranging from novice to TOCA Challenge.
“Striker” is a target shootout game for those new to soccer. “Eliminator” is a strategy game that allows quick thinkers to score major points. “Atom Splitter” is a chain-reaction game, and for those who think they can make the FC Dallas team, the TOCA Challenge consists of 15 levels of specialized targets.
If you’re not into soccer but love to people-watch, there will be two levels that provide space to mix and mingle with beautiful city views and a Michelin-trained chef preparing top-notch food. The London location has an extensive drink menu with soccer-inspired drinks like the “Mezzi, Lionel” and “Wred Card.”
The food and beverage menu for the Dallas location is still in development, but you will want to be the first to check out TOCA Social when it opens in 2023 at 1313 Riverfront Boulevard.