X-Site - Memphis, TN

X-Site was a family entertainment center in Memphis, TN. It housed a New Rock-afire Explosion Lite ES/P, and only lasted for 5 years before succumbing to foreclosure.

History / Background

X-Site was a partnership between a group of private investors and two operators, Steve Guinn and John Winchester. Guinn was a former CFO for Progressive Capital Investment Corp, which put together the private investors to help finance the project. They planned for X-Site to be a futuristic and modern entertainment center, investing heavily into a 4,000 square foot LaserTron laser tag arena, virtual batting cages, brand new virtual reality games, and of course the high tech New Rock-afire Explosion. X-Site opened in the former Children’s Palace on American Way, and after $5 million in development costs X-Site opened on July 16th, 1994.

X-Site debuted to huge fanfare from the local community. The complex was huge, and none of the other venues in the Memphis area had quite as many high tech entertainment offerings. The site was also unique for its dining options. When X-Site was being developed, several potential food vendors were negotiating for the chance to be able to serve food inside of the complex. But strangely enough, McDonald's was the one who ultimately won. A custom 50s style McDonald's was located inside of X-Site, resembling somewhat of a normal McDonald's but with an emphasis of 1950s theming. Besides the typical food found at the restaurant, this McDonalds also offered foods such as pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, and freshly made desserts.

The New Rock-afire Explosion show that was installed in X-Site was a scaled-down NRAE Lite ES/P, and both videos and photos exist of guests using the karaoke function. The characters appeared to have worn their classic outfits without any modification. This show can be seen playing in a 1994 promotional video for the NRAE published by Creative Engineering.

A few other X-Site locations opened up in other states, but none seemed to have the NRAE. The Memphis location underwent a huge remodel in 1998 following new ownership, adding several new large attractions, potentially even removing their show. The business seems to have rebranded to “X-Site America” at that time too. The business was failing though, and in the fall of 1999, X-Site defaulted on their payments and was foreclosed on by the mortgage holders. It’s unknown if the animatronics were removed during the large 1998 remodel or if they stayed until the business closed. No auction listing has been found that mentions the show or any of the attractions. The NRAE show has not been seen since.

Information & Details

X-Site
4835 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118

Fate of the show: Unknown