News

May 02, 2023

This new arcade in East Pierce County has over 50 games, including Donkey Kong Jr.

James Blankenship wants people to feel nostalgic as they walk into his business.

James Blankenship wants people to feel nostalgic as they walk into his business.

"It's kind of a childhood dream," Blankenship said. "I grew up in a time when the arcades were kind of fading out."

Blankenship owns Flip OFF Arcade at 15941 Meridian Ave. E. The arcade opened in April.

The arcade houses 20 pinball machines and over 30 arcade machines, including Donkey Kong Jr., Mortal Combat and Killer Instinct. There's also an air-hockey table and GameCube.

There's a snack bar with beverages, including canned sodas, beer and root beer on tap. There are chips, hot dogs and ice cream available.

Customers can purchase a $10 wristband pass to play almost all the games. The pass is good for the whole day. There's a change machine that dispenses quarters for the pinball machines and air-hockey table.

Blankenship said he wasn't sure if the arcade was going to take off last month. Between 10-20 patrons visit on the weekdays and close to 60 visit on the weekends, he said.

"We get a lot of compliments on the quality of the pinball machines and that's kind of the idea," Blankenship said. "I don't really enjoy going to arcades that … isn't just playing all that right."

Blankenship, 39, said games can bring people together. Gaming is one of his passions, and he likes sharing that with others. Establishing a spot where locals can play is satisfying to him, he said.

The arcade is open 2-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Children must be supervised. Only people ages 21 and up are allowed after 8 p.m.