The company UScellular made history by setting a new, impressive GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the longest temporary mini golf course. In the heart of the city of Des Moines in Iowa, at the popular Cowles Commons location, a monumental structure measuring an impressive 507 feet, or more than 154 meters, was erected. This broke the previous record of 492 feet, and hundreds of local residents got a unique opportunity to test their skills on this extraordinary course on Saturday, June 21. The event, called "Unplug & Play Day", was much more than just breaking a record; it offered all-day fun for entire families and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting in the real world, away from screens.

Setting a new world standard

Michael Empric, an adjudicator from the Guinness World Records, was on-site to take precise measurements and verify the new feat, ensuring the official confirmation of the record. "Congratulations to UScellular on winning the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title," said Empric. "It was an honor to be part of something created to enrich the community. It was exciting to see so many people come out to enjoy this day," he emphasized, praising the initiative that brought the residents of Des Moines together. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as players of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest, patiently waited for their turn to try the course that pushed the boundaries of creativity and engineering in the world of mini golf. The entire event was free and open to the public, turning the city square into an epicenter of fun and togetherness.

More than a game: An initiative for healthier digital habits

This impressive project is not accidental. It is part of UScellular's broader campaign called "Built for US," which aims to promote a healthier relationship with technology. In today's digital age, where smartphones have become an extension of our hands, this initiative offers concrete tips, resources, and, most importantly, experiences that encourage people to have real, human interactions. "Unplug & Play Day" is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. In addition to the record-breaking mini golf course, visitors could participate in a range of other activities. There was face painting for the youngest, a giant jigsaw puzzle that required teamwork, and a collaborative mural painting, leaving a lasting, colorful mark of this special day. The goal was clear: to give families and friends a chance to create memories together, talk, and have fun without the distraction of notifications and endless scrolling. "We wanted to bring everyone together, whether you're a mini golf enthusiast or have never played before, to spend quality time disconnected from our phones," highlighted Verchele Roberts, Vice President of Brand Management at UScellular.

The voice of youth driving change

The inspiration for this unique event came from the most creative minds – young people. UScellular's "Board of Connectors," a group made up of children and teenagers from the Boys & Girls Clubs and children of company employees, played a key role. Earlier this year, the board members met with UScellular's CEO, Laurent "LT" Therivel, and shared their vision. They expressed a desire to make their favorite community spots even better by organizing monumental, "larger-than-life" games in open spaces. Their idea was to enable fun that gets them away from screens and encourages activity. Brennen, a "Board of Connectors" member from Iowa, did not hide his excitement. "This was such a fun day, even better than I imagined when we were developing the ideas. It feels great to be part of breaking a Guinness World Record right here in Iowa!" His words reflect the pride and joy of young people who saw their ideas become reality and positively impact the entire community. This approach shows how empowering young people and listening to their suggestions can lead to innovative and socially beneficial projects.

The world record goes on tour

The good news is that the experience of playing on the record-breaking course will not be limited to the residents of Des Moines. UScellular has announced that the "Unplug & Play Day" is going on a summer tour, bringing unique fun to several more cities. The next stop is Cedar Rapids, also in Iowa, where the event will take place on June 28. After that, the caravan travels to Green Bay in Wisconsin on July 12, and finally to Bangor in Maine on July 26. "We thank the community in Des Moines for joining us in this record attempt," said Verchele Roberts. "We look forward to sharing this unique experience with more people over the summer." Anyone interested in participating or learning more about the initiative and tools for creating healthy digital habits can visit the official website uscellular.com/unplugging and the campaign page uscellular.com/BuiltForUs. The tour promises to spread the positive message about the importance of balance between the digital and the real world, encouraging communities across the country to unplug and reconnect. Given the success of the premiere event, a large turnout is also expected in the other cities, confirming that the desire for authentic fun and socializing is stronger than ever.