Busch Gardens Plans Pokémon GO ‘Lure-A-Ton’

Tampa, FL — Pokémon GO players throughout Tampa Bay may want to head to Busch Gardens on Saturday.

The theme park has announced its plans to play host to a Pokémon GO Lure-A-Thon July 16. During the one-day event, game players will be able to check out 50+ lure modules and should be able to encounter rare Pokémon throughout the park.

“Pokémon trainers are encouraged to wear their team colors and try to level up as many Pokémon as they can,” the park announced in an email to media.

The lure modules will be activated in major areas throughout the park. Players will want to stop by Jungala, Edge of Africa, Pantopia, Egypt and Stanleyville, the park said. The event is set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Players do need to be aware that park admission is required to enter and play. Parking at the 10165 N. McKinley Drive attraction also costs extra.

Busch Gardens pass members are also getting their own special treat during the event. Those who are willing to show up early, will get exclusive access to seven PokéStops with lure modules activated in the park’s Egypt area between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.

While Busch Gardens is opening its doors to Pokémon players, the invite does come with a caveat or two.

“The safety of our guests, animals and ambassadors is our top priority, so while we want our guests to have fun and catch them all, we ask that you continue to follow all posted safety guidelines and procedures, including not entering restricted areas,” the park warned in a statement.

For those who haven’t caught Pokémon fever, the game works by having players move through the real world. As they do, their smartphones vibrate to let them know when a Pokémon is near.

Players then throw a PokéBall to catch it and add it to their PokéDex. The game uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to turn the real world into a gigantic scavenger hunt.

For more information about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, visit the theme park’s website.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay