iFLY to Take Flight This Fall Near Cumberland Mall

Indoor skydiving coming to Smyrna.

Austin, Texas-based iFLY Indoor Skydiving is coming to Cobb Parkway near the new Atlanta Braves stadium at SunTrust Park.  The new facility will be built on a nearly one acre parcel at 2778 Cobb Parkway, just north of Cumberland Mall.  The single story building that was torn down for the new development previously housed both LensCrafters (Pearle Vision, first) and Casual Male XL.  Most recently, the property served as temporary hiring offices for the T.Mac at Parkway Pointe.  

Well placed sources indicate that the new iFLY, the first in Georgia, is on track to open in late October or early November.  

The facility itself will be about 5,000 square foot with a 58' tall iFLY Indoor Skydiving silo of sorts, that enables the skydiving experience.  

"iFLY (formerly SkyVenture) has been the innovation leader in indoor skydiving since opening its first facility in Orlando in 1998. It has created technologies which enable a nearly 50 foot high flight chamber which creates a cushion of air that is enclosed, recirculating and air conditioned. It is not possible to fall off the cushion of air, making this experience safe for kids as young as three and adults of any age."

iFLY submitted plans last year for a similar facility in Alpharetta but was denied by Alpharetta City Council. By a vote of 6-1, the council voted down the proposal, citing among other things, their belief that the parcel, a former Champps Americana restaurant, "is a viable location for a restaurant." 

Although I can find no definitive confirmation, I believe that iFLY is still keen on the Alpharetta market and may very well be in talks for another site.  

Today the company operates nearly 30 locations, largely domestically, but with a few internationally.  

Pricing seems to vary considerably by location with the basic "Earn Your Wings" (great for first-time flyers) ranging from about $55 to $80.  This package includes two "flights" lasting one minute each, for one person.  Additional packages include "flights" for additional people as well as video of your flight.  

When it opens, iFLY will join a growing list of area entertainment options including Main Event Entertainment, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and AMF Marietta Lanes.  There are also reportedly a number of new entertainment options coming to The Battery Atlanta at SunTrust Park.  

Are you excited that such a unique entertainment facility is coming to Atlanta?  Have you experienced iFLY elsewhere, if so, what were your thoughts?  Where else would you like to see iFLY open in metro Atlanta?

Please share your thoughts below.