The business is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to open — first with a series of soft openings — sometime in mid to late January.
When he learned about the closure of the Englewood Fun Center, a place he frequented as a child, Campbell said he felt compelled to step in.
“The place closed so abruptly in October and it was really shocking to the community,” he said Friday. “I loved the arcade as a kid and, as a baseball player, I also went there for hitting practice at the batting cages.”
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
The existing building interior will be renovated to bring “a refreshed, modernized, and cozy feel” to the space, Campbell said.
Patrons can expect to see new paint, flooring, lighting, and seating.
Along with the traditional arcade games and batting cages, Campbell plans to add areas for axe throwing and darts.
The existing putt-putt golf course will be revamped and will offer regular putt-putt during the day, along with “glow putt-putt” at night with the incorporation of black lights.
Other additions will include TVs for viewing sports and pay-per-view events. Beer, wine, and seltzer will also be available, alongside other refreshments and snacks.
“We’re trying to appeal to people of all ages,” Campbell said.
Outside, customers can expect to see occasional food truck offerings, and a game trailer with various modern and retro gaming systems, from PS5, Xbox, and Switch, to Atari, Sega, and NES.
“We’re going to clean the place up and just make everyone feel like this is the place to be,” he said.
The new business has a website, www.nextlevelgamelounge.com, along with a growing social media presence.
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