# Inaugural AR Sport Experiences The Highcross Leicester HADO Experience is a First for the UK By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-21 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highcross-leicester-hado References: [retailtimes](https://retailtimes.co.uk/uk-first-augmented-reality-experience-lands-at-highcross-leicester/) & [highcrossleicester](http://www.highcrossleicester.com/)  The Highcross Leicester HADO augmented reality (AR) techno-sport has been launched as a first in the UK to deliver guests with an [immersive gameplay experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-gaming-lands) that pushes the boundaries of gaming. The experience is being launched as part of a [two-week pop-up](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benemart-concept) in the former unit in the upper mall where The North Face previously was located. The experience sees visitors wearing [AR headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotselfie-ar-meta-stores) alongside wrist sensors, which will work together to let them shoot digital energy balls, dodge attacks and raise their shields without any actual handheld components. Centre Director Michelle Menezes spoke on the Highcross Leicester HADO experience saying, "We’re delighted to be bringing HADO to Highcross, giving our shoppers the opportunity to experience the UK’s first pop-up of its kind in a shopping centre. It’s a completely new experience for Leicester, and we’re excited to give visitors the chance to get involved, whether they’re already passionate about gaming or simply looking to try something different.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.2/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 92% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Augmented Reality Sports:** Immersive techno-sport formats are blending physical movement with digital gameplay, creating new commercial space for location-based entertainment and competitive social experiences. - **Retail Entertainment Pop-ups:** Temporary experiential attractions in vacant mall units are transforming underused retail space into traffic-driving destinations with flexible revenue potential. - **Hands-free Gaming:** Sensor-based interfaces and headset-driven play are expanding gaming beyond controllers, allowing more intuitive, active, and accessible participation for mainstream audiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Shopping Centers:** Malls are repositioning themselves as entertainment-led venues where immersive attractions can increase dwell time and diversify tenant mixes. - **Gaming:** The gaming sector is extending into physical venues through AR formats that merge esports, fitness, and social competition. - **Experiential Marketing:** Brands and venues are using short-term interactive installations to generate novelty, local buzz, and measurable consumer engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Soccer Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-brand-hub.md) - [Boundary-Pushing AR Outdoor Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-me-this-is-us.md) - [AI-Powered Shoppable Runways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/front-row-ai.md) - [AI-Driven Fragrance Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hola-fragrance-popup.md) - [Historic AR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/historic-ar-experience.md) - [Immersive Wellbeing Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healf-experience.md) - [Experiential Running Shoe Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sportsshoes.md) - [Artful AR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incredible-unknowns-of-the-louvre.md) - [RGB-Themed Pop-Up Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hudson-yard.md)