Find Arcade spaces for rent in Indianapolis, IN

About Indianapolis

Indianapolis is one of the great cities of the American Midwest. This city is home to some of the nation's most iconic sports teams, including the Colts, Pacers, and White Sox. From the Speedway to Monument Circle and several other attractions, there is plenty to see and do in Indy. But that's not all that makes it so unique.

Indy has a strong tradition of arcades going back decades. Whether you're looking for classic 80s-style arcade cabinets or modern video games with brightly colored screens, Indy has them all. These arcades offer a unique form of entertainment and provide an inclusive environment where people come together to have fun.

For those looking to host events in Indy, plenty of arcades across the city are perfect for gatherings ranging from small birthday parties to corporate events. Indianapolis has everything from retro arcade bars where you can enjoy drinks while playing vintage games to larger game centers offering an expansive selection of classic and current titles. No matter what kind of event you’re planning, you can bet that hosting it at an arcade-type venue will be a blast.

Arcade Event Options in Indianapolis

• Food & Drinks
  An arcade-themed event would not be complete without refreshments. Guests will need something to eat and drink while playing games. Hiring a caterer for an arcade-themed party or event will make it much more enjoyable for everyone involved, as they can offer snacks, drinks, and other items that match the theme. Caterers also take care of cleanup, so no mess is left behind after the event ends.

• Party Favors
  Party favors, such as custom-made tokens or branded t-shirts, are great additions to creating a more immersive experience for guests at any arcade-themed event. Tokens can be used as prizes or tickets for various activities, while t-shirts can act as souvenirs for attendees to take home after the event is finished.

• DJs
  DJs bring energy to any event by playing music that fits the occasion. Hiring a DJ specializing in video game music or classic arcade tunes for an arcade-themed party can create a fun atmosphere for everyone involved. DJs also come equipped with sound systems, lighting equipment, and more, making them essential to make your party memorable.

Arcade Event Vendors in Indianapolis

• Travis Bell Retro DJ
  Travis Bell is a professional video disc jockey with over 20,000 music videos at his fingertips. Drawing upon his extensive experience, Travis tunes into the vibe of every event and expertly controls it with his skillful song selection. In addition to his notable skills, Travis Bell is also the proud restorer of one of the world's last remaining Giant Mobile Boomboxes. This impressive piece of equipment has been fully renovated, complete with a new flat-panel TV and brand-new LED lighting, which will make it a fantastic party centerpiece at your arcade event.

• Hoosier Cupboard Candy and Snacks
  Hoosier Cupboard Candy and Snacks is a family-owned business serving the Indianapolis community since 2015. Their shop carries a wide selection of products, from old-fashioned glass-bottled sodas to nostalgic candy and more than 30 varieties of root beer. The team specializes in Albanese and Haribo gummy products, nickel candy, chocolate-covered pretzels, old-fashioned gourmet sodas, and other traditional treats that would be a hit at your arcade event. Hoosier Cupboard also offers 25 different flavors of ice cream for those with a sweet tooth.

• Bhatta Boom Photo Booth
  Bhatta Boom Photo Booth provides a fresh take on the traditional photo booth experience. Based in Indianapolis, they specialize in accommodating events of all kinds. With a vast selection of props and backdrops, Bhatta Boom Photo Booth accommodates guests of all shapes and sizes, and the modern design complements any theme. The photo strips and cards have hundreds of template options to ensure a unique experience for each guest at the arcade event.

Pros and Cons of Arcade Events in Indianapolis

When planning an event, the choice of venue can be a major deciding factor in its success. One venue often overlooked is an arcade space - a site created to house a variety of video and other games for entertainment purposes. Although uncommon compared to traditional venues, arcade-type spaces have unique advantages and disadvantages when hosting events.

Advantages

• Pre-installed entertainment - Most arcade spaces come equipped with various games and activities that guests can enjoy, so event organizers do not have to invest in extra entertainment.
  
  
• Aesthetic appeal - The bright colors, fun music, and flashing lights add a touch of flair to any event and create an inviting atmosphere.
  
  
• Affordable options - Many arcades offer affordable packages that include food and beverages, and game tokens, making them ideal venues for budget-minded events.

Disadvantages

• Limited seating - Most arcade spaces have limited seating options for guests, so it’s important to plan accordingly if your guest list is extensive.
  
  
• Noise pollution – The sounds from the games can be deafening at times, making it difficult for people to converse with one another during the event.
  
  
• Crowd control – With many people playing different games at once, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s happening in the space, leading to chaos if not managed properly.

Tips on How to Organize Arcade Events in Indianapolis

Hosting an event in an arcade space can be a great way to get people out of their homes and into the same place for good fun. It is essential, however, to make sure that the space is comfortable, organized, and up-to-date with modern amenities to make your next arcade event successful. Here are some tips for doing so.

• Dress Up Your Space: Consider getting balloons or streamers that match the theme of your event (i.e., 80’s themed party) or simply accents like gaming-related posters on walls and lights around machines to give it more of a party atmosphere. If you have enough budget, renting additional furniture like booths or chairs for spectators can add to the atmosphere and provide additional comfort during play sessions.

• Have Snacks & Beverages Available: Keeping snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at hand is always recommended in any social gathering, especially when hosting an arcade-style event with adults and children. Consider having different varieties of snacks such as popcorn or candy so everyone has something they enjoy while playing their favorite games.

• Utilize Music: Music can be used to set the atmosphere of any event - especially one featuring arcades. A good mix of popular songs and classic arcade favorites can keep guests entertained throughout the night while providing a fun backdrop for competition between players. Choose music carefully so as not to overwhelm or distract from gameplay.

• Create Engaging Tournaments: Incorporating tournaments into your arcade event can be a great way to engage guests and keep them entertained throughout the evening. In addition to traditional tournaments, like high-score contests, consider offering prizes for creative tournaments, such as how quickly participants can complete certain levels or races to finish a game first with multiple players.

Famous Locations in Indianapolis

• Dallara IndyCar Factory
  Located just a stone's throw away from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Dallara IndyCar Factory offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the impressive machinery and technology that goes into crafting these high-speed vehicles. As you wander through the factory, the wind-tunnel models will catch your eye, providing a glimpse into the science behind the sleek exterior of these racing machines. For the true thrill-seekers, the driving simulators are a must-try, allowing you to experience the adrenaline rush of zooming around the track at an impressive 200mph.

• Rainbow Bridge
  Nestled in the heart of the quirky and artistic district of Broad Ripple Village in Indianapolis is one of the state’s most captivating pieces of architecture: the Rainbow Bridge. Crossing over the Central Canal, this colorful entrance has long been a sign to visitors that they are welcome in the vibrant community of Broad Ripple. Decades ago, the bridge served as a direct entry into the village. Still, as the neighborhood expanded beyond the canal, the Rainbow Bridge has remained a beloved symbol of the eclectic community. Its brilliant hues make it a must-see for tourists and locals alike, serving as a testament to the artistic spirit of Broad Ripple Village.

• Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
  The Phoenix Theatre and Culture Center is a hub of modern, thought-provoking productions in downtown Indianapolis. This innovative venue offers two stages, seating 130 and 75 people, showcasing a range of socially conscious material that challenges and inspires audiences. In support of emerging talent, the Phoenix Theatre and Culture Center encourages creative development through a collective group of talented individuals, making it a vital resource for the local artistic community. For theater-goers seeking a fresh, cutting-edge experience, the Phoenix Theatre and Culture Center is an essential destination.