West Sacramento Welcomes Exciting New Family Entertainment Hub

West Sacramento is set to welcome a new family entertainment center and venue, sparking enthusiasm among community members but also raising concerns about its potential impact on local businesses. The BLVD!, a multi-faceted entertainment complex, is poised to take over the former Safeway building on West Capitol Avenue, which has been vacant since 2018.

Transforming the Vacant Safeway Building into a Vibrant Community Destination

A Diverse Range of Amenities to Cater to All Tastes

The BLVD! will feature an impressive array of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, patio, bowling lanes, a laser tag arena, billiards tables, and TVs for sports enthusiasts. This second location of The BLVD! will complement the existing locally-owned venue in Bakersfield, promising to bring a new level of entertainment and excitement to the West Sacramento community.

Addressing Concerns about Competition with Established Local Businesses

While many community members have expressed enthusiasm for the new entertainment hub, there are also concerns about the potential impact on Capitol Bowl, a locally-owned bowling alley that has been a fixture in the city for decades. Ron Amin, whose family has owned Capitol Bowl since 1998, acknowledges the challenge of having a new bowling venue less than half a mile away on the same street. However, he remains optimistic, stating, "We realize the community really supports us, but it would be challenging. But with the community's help, I think we'll be OK."

Fostering Job Growth and Community Engagement

The BLVD!'s leadership, including CEO David Bynum, has emphasized their commitment to bringing 100 to 130 new jobs to West Sacramento and actively engaging with the local community. Bynum stated, "Our goal is really to serve the entire Sacramento area and to be accessible to everyone. Obviously, West Sacramento is our home, so we're very excited about the job growth and the tax revenue it will bring to the city."

The City's Perspective: Balancing Growth and Supporting Local Businesses

In a statement to KCRA 3, a spokesperson for the City of West Sacramento expressed the city's perspective on the new development. They acknowledged that The BLVD! is a private project, but one that is permitted within the city's Central Business District. The city believes there is ample room in the market to support both The BLVD! and Capitol Bowl, and that the two businesses will complement each other and draw more visitors to the West Capitol Avenue corridor.The city also noted that the former Safeway building has been vacant for several years, leading to challenges with break-ins, fires, and loitering. The city is excited to have someone willing to invest in and revitalize this property, which has historically been difficult to repurpose. Additionally, the city has a longstanding relationship with Capitol Bowl and looks forward to supporting their business plans in the future.

A Promising Future for West Sacramento's Entertainment Landscape

The arrival of The BLVD! in West Sacramento represents a significant development in the city's entertainment landscape. While there are understandable concerns about the potential impact on existing local businesses, the city and the new venue's leadership seem committed to fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial environment. As the project moves forward, the community will eagerly await the opening of this new family entertainment hub, which promises to bring a fresh wave of excitement and economic opportunities to the city.