For over 35 years, GO USA Fun Park has been a cornerstone of family entertainment in Murfreesboro. Founded by Curt Abdo and now co-run with his son Alex, the park represents a rich history of resilience, evolution, and connection with the community.
A Humble Start
Curt's journey into entertainment began in the mid-1970s with Family Billiards, a chain of arcades in Middle Tennessee. Over the years, his family ventured into various businesses, from tanning salons to game manufacturing. However, it was the launch of Golf U.S.A. in 1988—a driving range, mini-golf course, and golf shop—that laid the foundation for GO USA Fun Park.
“The first few years were tough,” Curt recalls. “We eventually pivoted, transforming the business into GO USA Fun Park by adding attractions like batting cages, go-karts, and an expanded arcade while phasing out the golf shop.”
Alex adds a fun detail about the rebrand: “To save money on signage, we simply removed the ‘L’ and ‘F’ from ‘Golf U.S.A.’—you can still see where the letters used to be on our sign!”
Evolving with the Times
From a small mini-golf course and arcade to a bustling hub of family fun, GO USA has continually adapted to meet changing customer interests. The addition of high-tech attractions like VR experiences and flight simulators reflects its commitment to staying current.
“We’ve moved from tokens and tickets to a single ‘play card’ system, which makes everything much easier,” Alex says. “We also constantly rotate prizes and upgrade our redemption center based on customer preferences. Introducing trendy prizes like Pokémon cards and PlayStation 5s has been a big hit.”
Rooted in the Community
GO USA is deeply intertwined with the Murfreesboro community. Curt fondly remembers the city’s transformation from a quiet college town to a thriving hub. “We’ve watched generations grow up with us—kids who came here are now bringing their own children,” he shares.
For Alex, the sense of continuity is profound. “It’s amazing to see people with such fond memories of GO USA. It’s a testament to how long we’ve been a part of their lives.”
Overcoming Challenges
Running a small business isn’t without challenges. From starting with significant debt to weathering recessions and the pandemic, GO USA has faced its share of obstacles. “We’ve always operated with the mindset that nothing is guaranteed,” Curt says. “That resilience, coupled with prioritizing our staff, has helped us get through tough times.”
During the pandemic, the park retained its entire staff, a decision reflecting their commitment to people. “Taking care of our team is central to who we are,” Curt emphasizes.
Memorable Moments and Milestones
With decades of memories, some stand out to Curt and Alex: three marriages between staff members, a third generation of employees, and stories of families returning year after year. “Last summer, we hired the son of one of my favorite former employees—it’s moments like these that make it all worthwhile,” Curt says. Curt and Alex also share that the business could not be what it is today without the help of Jared Vaupel, the general manager and family member. "He's been a pivotal part of our success," said Alex.
Giving Back
GO USA is dedicated to supporting local organizations. From donating mini-golf vouchers to schools to hosting food trucks and spirit nights, they actively engage with the community. “We’re always looking for creative ways to give back,” Alex says.
Looking Ahead
The park’s future is bright, with big plans under the banner of "Gopher Vision 2030." Upcoming projects include an improved driving range with ball tracking, a new event pavilion, dual-pit go-karts, and more seasonal events like Halloween-themed mini-golf.
“We’re thinking big,” Alex says. “Our goal is to continue evolving while staying true to what has made us special for so long.”
Before spring, the team plans to enhance the go-kart experience by introducing dual-pit tracks, allowing for twice as many rides per hour. They’re also working on updating their website to better showcase upcoming events and improvements. As the busy season approaches, they aim to bring more variety to visitors with weekend food truck options on Fridays and Saturdays and expand their unlimited play offerings, building on the popular unlimited go-kart and mini-golf packages already available.
This Valentine's Day, the park will have a Sweetheart Special for those who want to have a fun and memorable day with their significant other.
For more information about GO USA Fun Park, follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @gousafunpark, or visit their website, gousafunpark.com.