Strykers vs. Topgolf: The Ultimate Family Fun Face-Off

More action, better value and unforgettable family memories

The family fun face-off: why empire strykers beats topgolf

Every parent knows the weekend dilemma. The kids are bounce-off-the-walls bored, you want to get out of the house, but you also don't want to mortgage your home just for a few hours of family bonding. Let's compare a couple of nearby options for family entertainment in the Inland Empire: a high-energy professional indoor soccer match with the Empire Strykers, or a trip to the high-tech driving bays at Topgolf.

While hitting golf balls into glowing targets might sound like a fun afternoon, when you look at the actual entertainment value, time spent together, and your final receipt, hitting the pitch with the Strykers crushes the competition. Here is how the breakdown looks for a family of four.

The Cost Breakdown: No Ticking Clocks on the Pitch

Topgolf operates on a timed bay rental system, meaning you pay by the hour, and peak weekend times come with premium pricing. Add in mandatory lifetime membership fees for new players and a premium menu, and a casual afternoon quickly becomes a major investment. The Empire Strykers keep your budget on a clear, predictable track. Tickets run just $20 to $25 each, parking is flat, and classic stadium food won't break the bank.

Here is how a complete weekend family outing actually compares:

At Topgolf, your standard pricing quickly balloons well past the $200 mark before you even consider ordering a second round of drinks. With the Strykers, your $165 outing is locked in, predictable, and simple.

Time at the Venue: Unrushed Action vs. Watching the Clock

Have you ever tried to enjoy a family meal while a digital countdown timer ticks away on a screen above your head? At Topgolf, you are paying for every single minute. By the time you get the kids set up, select your clubs, order food, and wait for your turn in the rotation, an hour has flown by. If the kids are struggling to hit the ball, frustration sets in, and you find yourself rushing them just to get your money's worth before your bay time expires.

An Empire Strykers game gives you a full evening of sustained, unrushed entertainment. You get pre-game warmups, four quarters of fast-paced, high-scoring indoor soccer action, halftime shows, and fan interactions. It is a structured 2- to 3-hour event where you are guaranteed entertainment from the opening whistle to the final buzzer. There is no pressure to hurry your shot, no checking your watch, and no extra charge if the game goes into thrilling overtime.

The Entertainment Value: True Collective Energy vs. Waiting Your Turn

Let’s be honest about the driving bay dynamic: when you go to Topgolf, only one person can play at a time. While Dad or big sister is teeing up, the rest of the family is sitting on the couch behind them, usually sliding back onto their smartphones. It’s a series of individual turns rather than a shared event.

At a Strykers game, you share the entire experience simultaneously as a team:

• You cheer together when the ball flies off the perimeter walls at lightning speed.
• You groan together at the dramatic near-misses and spectacular goalie saves.
• You high-five strangers when the hometown team scores a breathtaking goal.

Indoor soccer is uniquely chaotic, fast, and intimate. The fans are right on top of the action, the music is pumping, and the energy is infectious. It teaches kids the joy of live sports, builds local community pride, and creates shared memories you'll actually talk about on the car ride home.

The Verdict

While hitting the driving range has its charms, it can quickly turn into a stressful, expensive race against the digital clock. For a smooth, high-energy, and genuinely collective family experience, the Empire Strykers take the win. You get more reliable pricing, hours of non-stop action, and a chance to truly unplug and bond as a squad.

Pack up the family, leave the golf clubs in the garage, and head to the arena instead!

If you are looking for things to do in San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County attractions, things to do in San Bernardino County this weekend, or especially family activities in San Bernardino County, look to the Empire Strykers of the Major Arena Soccer League. It is one of the best sports events in San Bernardino County that you will ever attend. You can find season tickets for the Empire Strykers, individual game tickets for the Empire Strykers, and Empire Strykers fan gear at www.theempirestrykers.com.