SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the most pivotal battles in American history is coming to life through “Battle for Texas: The Experience,” a 22,000-square-foot attraction in Rivercenter Mall that features some of the world’s most important Alamo artifacts and heart-racing multimedia re-enactments of the 13-day battle. “Battle for Texas: The Experience” is set to open in February 2016 and will be a permanent attraction.
For the first time, visitors to San Antonio will have the opportunity to experience what it was like to be at the Battle of the Alamo from the perspectives of the mission’s defenders and the Mexican army. Never-before-seen artifacts will be brought to life through the use of state-of-the-art displays and innovative multimedia. Guests will take a journey into history as they experience the daily lives of early Texas settlers, the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution and the climactic battle told from the point of view of both the mission’s defenders and the Mexican army.
BASE Entertainment and The Gold Group created “Battle for Texas: The Experience” so that visitors could connect intellectually, physically and emotionally with the defenders during the 1836 battle.
“Audiences will feel as if they traveled through time to this crucial point in history,” says Brian Becker, CEO of Base Entertainment. “Through the sights, sounds and even smells, our guests will experience the 13 days of the siege in a personal and visceral way, just like those inside the walls.”
“It is our vision for ‘Battle for Texas: The Experience’ to be a top destination for families, students, Texas history enthusiasts and historians eager to experience the culture and history of the Battle of the Alamo,” said Joe Gold, Principal of The Gold Group. “Through their visit, they will come to understand the Alamo as a symbol of the rise of the state of Texas and its citizens who carry on the pride of its heroes who fought for independence.”
Two years in development, the attraction showcases an important collection of 250 artifacts curated from the private libraries of major collectors and historians, including Santa Anna’s uniform, bed and personal effects kept in his tent; portraits of William B. Travis, Sam Houston and James Bowie; Davy Crockett’s “long knife”; and the cannonball shot at Santa Anna’s Army in response to the “No Quarter” flag.
“Many of the artifacts at this attraction have either rarely or never been viewed by the public,” said Alex McDuffie, Historian and Curator of “Battle for Texas: The Experience” and a renowned curator and dealer of Alamo and Texas-related artifacts. “It is the finest collection of historical Texas artifacts ever assembled for the public.”
Located just steps away from the Alamo mission, “Battle for Texas: The Experience” encompasses the exhibit level of the former Joske’s building and is specially constructed to present a vivid illustration of the fight for Texas liberty. Spanning 11 galleries, visitors walk through the entire story of the Battle of the Alamo starting with a “Land Called Texas,” which sets the Texas Revolution in context, followed by “Meet the Heroes,” where Alamo defenders introduce themselves and share their perspective. Then the journey through the historic battle begins.
Each visitor is called to engage: Design your own flag, walk in Santa Anna’s tent, push a cannon up a ramp into place and cross the famed line in the sand. Sensory experiences add to the emotion of the visit. “The constant sound of shelling, rattling walls and smell of gunpowder allow visitors to sense the Mexican Army moving closer, offering an unparalleled experience of the events that took place during this great battle,” said David Weiss, creative writer and production director.
“The battle will literally be closing in on them as they walk through a maze of hallways with nowhere to turn and hear the sounds of soldiers crossing atop the roof as if coming over the wall,” Weiss said.
At the end of the journey, guests will be immersed in a three-minute inspirational film showcased on twelve giant synchronized monitors that reflects on the history of an independent Texas, including the famous figures, cultural icons and significant events that made Texas the great state it is today. Lastly, each guest will have the opportunity to add a photo of themselves to a digital mosaic of the Texas flag at “The Fabric of Texas.”
On average, a visit to “Battle for Texas: The Experience” takes 60 to 75 minutes. Visitors can freely explore or take a self-guided audio tour in which voices from history give special insight into the events and relevance of the battle. “Battle for Texas: The Experience” is located in the newly renovated Rivercenter Mall on the exhibition level, where the Texas Revolution will be relived daily. Timed-entry tickets are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m.
Admission:
- Adult (13+): $19.50
- Senior (65+): $17.50
- Child (3-12): $15.50
- Under 3 years old: FREE
- Military/College Student with ID: $17.50
- Grade School Groups (10 person minimum): $9.50 per person
For further information visit, BattleForTexas.com.
Digital media kit available here.
Learn more about BASE Entertainment.
Learn more about The Gold Group (TGG).
