SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMM. — The rambunctious cheers from fans rooting for their knight and the jeers against his competitors will soon fill the 1,000-seat arena at Medieval Times, which is inching closer and closer to opening its first castle and dinner show in Arizona.
UPDATE: Medieval Times sets August 1 opening date for Scottsdale location
A specific opening date has not been announced. However, ABC15 has learned that the 80,000-square-foot castle is expected to open in "late July," according to Drew Barnes, marketing and sales manager for the castle, which is being built on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near the Loop 101 and Via de Ventura near Scottsdale.
We have also learned how much tickets will be and when they are expected to go on sale.
Barnes said tickets would be $35.95 for children, 12 and younger, and $45.95 for adults. That does not include tax, processing fees, gratuity, or upgrades (we'll talk about the upgrades in a minute).
Reservations could be made for shows beginning Sept. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2019, according to an online schedule posted Thursday to www.medievaltimes.com. Tickets can also be bought over the phone at 1-866-543-9637.
It was not immediately clear when reservations would be available for shows prior to September, since officials are anticipating a late July opening.
According to the online schedule, most showtimes were at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and performance times do vary by date.
Tickets include a four-course meal that guests eat with their hands, two soft drinks, a two-hour show with jousting knights and hand-to-hand combat, the Hall of Arms, where coats of armor are displayed.
There are three upgrades available, which vary between $15-$25 per person per ticket, according to Medieval Times' website. Most upgrades include priority seating, a cheering banner, VIP lanyard, and a framed photo.
Royalty Package ($15): priority castle access, VIP seating, priority seating access, cheering banner, VIP lanyard.
Celebration Package ($20): priority castle access, VIP seating, priority seating access, cheer banner, VIP lanyard, group photos, birthday cake, and personalized announcement during show.
Queen's Royalty Package ($25): priority castle access, seating in first or second rows, priority seating access, cheering banner, VIP lanyard, and framed group photo.
Access to the Torture Museum, where replica torture devices are on display, is $2 per person.
WHAT'S ON THE MENU?
The four-course menu includes garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, dessert, and two soft drinks. All are served without utensils, which means you get to eat with your hands.
Vegan and vegetarian meals are also available, said Barnes.
A bar is available for those looking to down an ale during the show or perhaps sip on a cocktail.
HIRING 200 PEOPLE
The dinner theater is also looking for fill 200 positions, including servers, bartenders, guest relations, kitchen staff, retail staff, cash control, maintenance and housekeeping, stable staff, and squires (acting role that assists knights).
Those interest can apply at www.medievaltimes.com/careers.
