Staff Writer
Take the nostalgia of childhood games like Monopoly and Twister, throw in the high-spirited energy of a family game night, mix in a few drinks, add music, and you have PlayDate Miami.
The innovative new event is allowing adults to play youthful games like musical chairs and hula hoop – in public. Created five years ago in Atlanta, Playdate is an adult socializing concept that is taking the country by storm.
Imari Harvard and Ryan Hill of Timeless Entertainment Concepts are the brains behind the experience that is now a franchise in 26 markets, including Miami.
PlayDate Miami began in June. It is owned and operated by Fabiola Fleuranvil, a 28-year old Miami entrepreneur who is also a licensed Realtor and the principal of Blueprint Creative Group/N.Y.L.A. Entertainment Group, a marketing and public relations firm.
Fleuranvil said PlayDate Miami will host its third event on Friday, Aug. 13. Attendees can expect to have a great time in an environment atypical to the night club scene.
“Everybody is relaxed…open and friendly to socializing, mixing and mingling,” said Fleuranvil, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University and an MBA from Clark Atlanta University.
“You just never know what you’ll get. Absolutely, without a doubt, it’s an experience,” said Fleuranvil, who is also the national director of public relations for the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association.
The first two Miami events averaged about 450 people. The more established sites, such as Atlanta, draw
upwards of 700 people at each event.
Fleuranvil said the admission price of $10 is a bargain compared to the typical nightclub fees, minus the smoky atmosphere.
At PlayDate Miami, participants have access to over 30 games, including crowd favorites like Taboo and Twister, giant-sized versions of dominoes and Jenga; and interactive games like adult musical chairs, where the competition gets fierce.
Other crowd-inclusive games include Simon Says and a sing-along called “Live at the Apollo” that involves passing the microphone around the room to anyone willing to take a chance on public humiliation (in good fun, of course.)
Although PlayDate is not a singles night event, singles are welcome.
“We have couples to come out, groups, and singles,” she said of the typical PlayDate crowd, which ranges in age from “mid-20s, average mid-30s, even pushing mid-40s.”
Although it is not speed dating, hook-ups can and do occur.
One of the highlights of the Miami event, Fleuranvil said, is the diversity.
“It’s everybody from black, white, Hispanic, all types of cultures. It’s everybody mixing and mingling.”
She said that as the concept continues to grow, it will eventually expand to offer Give and Play, an opportunity for non-profit organizations to partner with PlayDate; as well as a separate event tailored to faith-based groups that can be used for fellowship.
Renee Michelle Harris may be reached at RMHarris15@Bellsouth.net
IF YOU GO
WHAT: PlayDate Miami
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 13 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
WHERE: Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, 16701 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
COST: $10, food and drink extra
CONTACT: For more information, please call 305-741-0378 or 404-437-0078, or visit, www.PlayDateMiami.com.
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