Can you escape from Prison Island?

By AIDA KARIM
news@readthereporter.com

Who would’ve thought your most vibrant Friday night could be spent trying to get out of a prison cell, and paying for the privilege? Prison Island welcomes Indy to the newest entertainment craze.

The Reporter spoke with Yan Rigoulot, Head of Operations for Prison Island, and Paula Olaya, Public Relations and Communications Senior Manager for Prison Island’s partner company, Fever.

According to Rigoulet, the original Prison Island concept was created 12 years ago in Sweden. The company grew into a franchise in Europe, and now opened their first U.S. location in Indianapolis, 6020 E. 82nd St.

Olaya said Indianapolis was the perfect place to bring Prison Island considering the unique environment the city brought as a sports, convention, and entertainment hub.

“For us it was an obvious choice,” Olaya said. “We want to serve the families that live here as a growing city that has more people moving in from different states and the growing tourism base coming to Indy.”

Prison Island at the Castleton Square Mall is the company’s first U.S. location. (From left) Indy Chamber Member Relations Manager Heather Ford, Venue Manager Devin McManus, Head of Operations at Prison Island Yan Rigoulot, Indianapolis City-County Councilor for District 4 Nick Roberts. (Reporter photo by Aida Karim)

Interestingly, Rigoulet said Prison Island is not an escape room, it’s instead “much more immersive and entertaining,” featuring mental, physical, and team-building challenges.

Prison Island features 47 rooms, each with its own unique challenges. Perform well in a room, earn more points, and compete on a leaderboard. Participants are welcomed to navigate however many rooms as they would like.

Rooms test an array of different skills, including your wits, strength, and agility. For example, one room challenges participants to match a sound with a pin-point on a map, while another tests your group’s ability to shoot hoops.

Rigoulet told The Reporter it’s hard to “grasp the concept until you walk through those doors.” He encourages community members of all ages to visit, and if they expect to be surprised, Rigoulet said, “[Prison Island] will certainly deliver.”

You can book your experience online at prisonisland-indianapolis.com.