More than 20 years after launching an arcade room in Red Deer’s Gasoline Alley, Jim Roth has decided to “Play Again.” He even came out of retirement to do it.
The Boardwalk (on Gaetz) Entertainment Centre combines the nostalgia of 80s-style arcades with modern, interactive gaming – resulting in a sort of Coney Island theme with additional attractions such as laser tag, a 7D Dark Ride, mini bowling and spaces for birthday parties and other events.
Having grown up amid the arcade excitement of the 1980s, Roth was always keen on bringing the experience to a new generation. One attempt, a career and a retirement later, he’s back with the already-popular Boardwalk Entertainment Centre.
“We just couldn’t get the number and everything else to come together,” he says, recalling the Gasoline Alley venture. “But 22 years later, we’ve resurrected the idea. I had retired but pulled out of retirement and got my daughter to come in as my manager.”
Roth’s daughter, Kelsey, who’d been working with the school board, has since taken on the day-to-day operation of the business. She’s also surrounded herself with a young staff that brings a new perspective to gaming.
Now, a year since the first card was swiped on a pinball machine (tokens are a thing of the past), The Boardwalk (on Gaetz) Entertainment Centre is welcoming customers of all ages to enjoy the classic games, the new installations and everything in between.
“We’ve got everything,” Roth explains. “One of the more popular ones is the Fast & Furious racing game. It has motion-activated seats and it’s just a riot to race against your buddies. We also have motorcycle racing, plinko, rifle games – really just a whole pile of games.”
Pinball, of course, retains a special place in the arcade world.
“We’ve stuck with a few pinball games to kind of try to keep that tradition going,” says Roth. “People are still having a lot of fun with them.”
As a “cashless” arcade, Roth explains that customers are given a card to load for use on games and even to earn points. Those points can then be redeemed on prizes or other games.
The Boardwalk is located at 2410, 50 Ave F in Red Deer, in the former Peavey Mart building. Given the size of the space, Roth has been able to include games and rooms that allow customers to play, eat and celebrate in large groups.
“We’ve got a really cool laser tag that kind of follows the old Coney Island theme, with dilapidated buildings and zombies,” says Roth. “It’s a lot of fun, and 20 people can go out there with the neon lights and chase each other down.”
There are also three rooms for special events, such as birthday parties, corporate events and family get-togethers. There’s also a licensed grill on site to ensure customers can satisfy their hunger and thirst during breaks from the games.
“People are just loving it,” says Roth. “This is really something they’re enjoying themselves with.”
The Boardwalk (on Gaetz) Entertainment Centre can be reached by calling (405) 505-1522, and they’re active on Instagram as well. Additional information regarding business hours, bookings and attractions can be found on their website.
