Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 A P R I L 7 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G In 2023, Sim City expanded into a lease at 930 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor and into a sublease at Birdies Grill & Tavern at 168 Saco Ave. in Old Orchard Beach. Bickford uses simulators made by the Danish firm Trackman, which has a U.S. sales office in Scottsdale, Ariz. Sim City Bangor's setup consists of five simulators, high-definition projec- tors and screens. Users can choose from among scores of simulated courses. e software analyzes factors such as the club head speed, spin on the ball and angle of attack to determine the distance of the shot on the screen. Customers can play solo or with partners. Bickford says the technology is useful for practice. Like other multi- player internet games, users can play together no matter where they are in the world, as long as they have similar set-ups. Opportunities include league play and lessons. Amenities include a bar and food service. Initial investment in the Bangor fit- up was about $350,000, with a portion financed through Norway Savings Bank. "We're finding that people have caught on," he says of simulated golf. "It's a thriving business because people are looking for something to do. Not everyone can go to Florida. But you can go to an indoor golf facility and play Pebble Beach." He continues, "Is it exactly like outdoor golf ? Absolutely not. But it's a fun activity." Whereas outdoor golf trends 80% male, 20% female, indoor golf is 60/40, he says. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Not everyone can go to Florida. But you can go to an indoor golf facility and play Pebble Beach. — Brian Bickford Sim City Golf P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F S I M C I T Y G O L F Brian Bickford of Sim City Golf says simulator technology is useful for golf practice, including league play and lessons.

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