We have visited Epic several times before COVID and always had a great time. Recently, we made a trip, traveling an hour to get there. My sibling and I planned to skate while our parent and other sibling enjoyed the arcade.Upon arrival, as we were...
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We have visited Epic several times before COVID and always had a great time. Recently, we made a trip, traveling an hour to get there. My sibling and I planned to skate while our parent and other sibling enjoyed the arcade.Upon arrival, as we were paying for our skates, we were informed after handing over the money that non-skaters had to pay an $12 admission fee just to sit and watch. We explained that they intended to watch and play arcade games, but were still told to pay. This was confusing since it hadn't been the case in our previous visits.The cashier, a red-haired girl, seemed annoyed and didn’t explain the reason for the fee. We did not ask for a manager; we were simply asking why this policy was enforced, but she couldn’t answer our question and rolled her eyes before calling her manager over. We weren’t being rude but found the $12charge odd, especially since the place was nearly empty at noon. We compared it to the trampoline park nearby that doesn’t charge for watching. Despite this, she called the manager over.The manager, who was larger and wore glasses, was clearly annoyed but we were just curious why this was the case. He stated the fee was to prevent people from sneaking in with skates and said they would need to hire security at the door to check bags, which would be extra costs to the company. This seems like something that needs to change on the company's end, not the customer’s. Also, the manager was just standing there not doing anything, and I don't see why they couldn’t do their job better and check people. We did not have large bags and offered to let him check them, but he refused and said no, we were required to pay.My parent decided to leave with my other sibling while my younger sibling and I stayed to skate. As we were getting our skates, the manager returned to inform me I couldn’t take my hydro flask inside. I offered to empty it if needed, but he insisted on taking it or putting it in the car. This felt unfair and discriminatory since we noticed at least five other people with hydro flasks at their tables.Despite feeling targeted, I emptied my flask and stored it in a locker, then purchased a $4 water bottle. The manager continued to watch us throughout our session, making us uncomfortable. We came to enjoy time together, but the staff’s rude and unhelpful behavior ruined our experience.The only positive interactions were with the kind man working on the rink floor and other skaters. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Epic and won't be returning. The company should reconsider their policies and ensure all guests are treated equally and respectfully.