THE GREAT INDOORS
More than a golf simulator, more than a lounge
Our mission is to redefine indoor sports lounges. Not just a golf and sim racing experience, blending state-of-the-art technology with the curated hospitality of a private club. This is the new standard of luxury leisure.
Our Journey So Far
2023
THE GENESIS
Opened our first location in Tyrone, PA at "The Bull Pen" marking the start of our indoor sports journey.
TODAY
TRI-COUNTY FOOTPRINT
Today we have 3 locations throughout the central PA Tri-County area. Tyrone, Huntingdon and State College.
FUTURE:
National Expansion
We look to the horizon as we establish new connections every day with intentions of going nationwide.
OUTSIDE THE NORM
Hacktivist Sports is not just an indoor sports simulation lounge; it's a community hub where passion meets play. All our locations are designed with a premium feel, providing a friendly and relaxing environment to enjoy your favorite sports year-round. No matter the weather outside, you’ll find a place that’s unlike any other, where you can engage in thrilling sports simulations and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. We're excited for you to join us in this unique experience!
THE VISIONARIES
James Russell, CEO is the founder of Hacktivist. In 2021 James started a golf league at his home course, Sinking Valley Country Club. Combining players of all skill levels and unique formats in an effort to make competitive golf more enjoyable for everyone. James had been in the construction industry for 10 years, looking to leverage those skills to create an indoor environment where he could continue the excitement after the regular golf season ends.
As CEO, James leads the brand’s direction, operations, and long-term growth strategy. His mission is to redefine indoor sports entertainment by combining cutting-edge simulation technology with refined, hospitality-level experiences that can expand into multiple markets nationwide.
Michael Barbulescu CFO is a proven entrepreneur and investor with a successful track record of building and scaling businesses across multiple industries, including real estate and hospitality. When presented with James’s concept, he immediately recognized both the unmet demand and the high-growth potential. As a committed golfer himself, Michael saw Hacktivist Sports as the perfect intersection of passion, innovation, and profitable market opportunity.
As CFO, Michael brings financial discipline, capital strategy, and operational insight to the company. He focuses on building a model that maximizes investor returns, ensures efficient scaling, and positions Hacktivist Sports as a premium, repeatable, and highly profitable experiential brand.
JAMES RUSSELL
Founder/CEO
MICHAEL BARBULESCU
CFO
THE VISIONARIES
JAMES RUSSELL
Founder/CEO
James Russel CEO is the visionary behind Hacktivist Sports, born from his years in a demanding corporate career that left little time to pursue his passion for golf. After repeatedly losing opportunities to play due to tight schedules and unpredictable weather, he recognized a major gap in the market: a luxury, tech-driven space where golfers and enthusiasts could play, practice, and compete anytime. Leveraging his experience in operations, leadership, and process optimization, James transformed that personal frustration into a scalable business model designed for modern lifestyles.
As CEO, James leads the brand’s direction, operations, and long-term growth strategy. His mission is to redefine indoor sports entertainment by combining cutting-edge simulation technology with refined, hospitality-level experiences that can expand into multiple markets nationwide.
MICHAEL BARBULESCU
CFO
Michael Barbulescu CFO is a proven entrepreneur and investor with a successful track record of building and scaling businesses across multiple industries, including real estate and hospitality. When presented with James’s concept, he immediately recognized both the unmet demand and the high-growth potential. As a committed golfer himself, Michael saw Hacktivist Sports as the perfect intersection of passion, innovation, and profitable market opportunity.
As CFO, Michael brings financial discipline, capital strategy, and operational insight to the company. He focuses on building a model that maximizes investor returns, ensures efficient scaling, and positions Hacktivist Sports as a premium, repeatable, and highly profitable experiential brand.
