Katapult, the internationally acclaimed guest experience design agency, is making waves once again with its latest ambitious project—the Gladiators Experience. Scheduled to open at NEC Birmingham in May 2026, this immersive venture promises to bring the legendary BBC show “Gladiators” to life in an unprecedented fashion. Known for crafting enthralling and highly detailed experiences, Katapult has partnered with industry giants Live Nation, MGM, Floor-Jon Films Inc., and Patrick Doherty Design to produce an event that allows fans to step into the shoes of the iconic contenders and test their mettle on the show’s famous challenges.
This collaboration is rooted in a deep respect for the original show and a desire to elevate fan engagement through physical and interactive elements. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, the Gladiators Experience combines authentic props, museum exhibits, and innovative, low-touch physical challenges including Hang Tough, Duel, the Wall, and the Eliminator. The creators have intentionally designed the event to offer diverse touchpoints—from adrenaline-pumping competitions to behind-the-scenes insights and family-friendly attractions—all supported by an extensive merchandise store that amplifies fan connection.
“We are incredibly proud to see how Gladiators continues to delight huge audiences on BBC One, and thrilled that our 2025 Gladiators Arena Tour sold out in record time,” says Dom Bird, senior vice president at MGM Alternative Television. This enthusiasm for the project’s reach and impact is clear as Bird highlights the immersive nature of the experience: “Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience. Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games—from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator. Come and see if you’ve got what it takes!”
Katapult’s commitment to turning narrative-driven IPs into interactive environments is notable in this project, as it blends the spectacle of live performance with the accessibility of hands-on participation. The Gladiators Experience doesn’t just replicate the television spectacle but transforms it into a 360-degree immersive journey that appeals to nostalgia while forging new emotional connections. The integration of authentic set pieces and low-touch physical activities reflects a careful balance between safety and thrill, ensuring an inclusive environment that invites participants of all ages and fitness levels.
In the fulldome and immersive media landscape, Katapult’s approach embodies a growing trend towards experiential storytelling that transcends passive viewing. By activating physical engagement, the project aligns with how immersive media increasingly seeks to involve audiences bodily and emotionally, a strategy seen in successful fulldome productions and multi-sensory narratives. While Katapult previously displayed their visionary design prowess with the Pirate Cove resort concept, their Gladiators Experience exemplifies their capacity to synthesize large-scale entertainment IP with cutting-edge audience participation techniques.
This project also dovetails well with the expanding reach of immersive experiences within education and entertainment sectors worldwide. Venues like planetariums and touring dome festivals, which traditionally focus on visual storytelling, can draw inspiration from these hybrid models where narrative, physicality, and interactivity converge. The creativity demonstrated by the Katapult team, alongside heavyweights like Live Nation and MGM, underscores a collaborative spirit that pushes immersive design beyond spectacle and into meaningful engagement.
As the Gladiators Experience prepares to debut, industry professionals and immersive media enthusiasts will find a compelling case study in how legacy content can be reimagined through multi-disciplinary collaboration. Katapult’s work here reinforces the value of meticulous design, thematic authenticity, and technological innovation—qualities that resonate deeply within the fulldome and wider immersive community. This project not only invites visitors to relive a beloved show but also ushers in a new chapter for experiential media that merges storytelling with embodied adventure.
Originally reported by Rebecca Hardy via blooloop.com on 2025-10-31 04:43:00.
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