Gaming Enthusiast Planning To Bring Arcade To Lawrenceburg

Atomic Arcade could feature 20 to 23 arcade games and 10 pinballs.

Shutterstock photo.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A longtime gaming enthusiast has looked up, down, left and right for the perfect place to share his arcade collection. 

On Monday, Josh Lowe presented his idea to bring an arcade to Lawrenceburg. 

Lowe has been collecting games since he was five years old, and is a ranked pinball player. He currently owns 16 arcade games and six pinballs, and hopes to have 20 to 23 arcade games and 10 pinballs prior to opening what would be called Atomic Arcade. 

"This will be a place people can bring their kids," said Lowe. 

Lowe wants to build a 1,500-square-foot space at 139 W. Tate Street, which would be within walking distance of Todd Creech Park and Durbin Bowl. 

Customers would pay $10 and receive a bracelet, which would allow for "free play" for the duration of their stay. There will also be some new games that will be available to play for 50 cents per play. 

Lowe is one step closer to making the arcade a reality after he was presented with a $25,000 preferred business grant from the Redevelopment Commission on Monday. He will also be applying for a small business action grant and signage grant.

Business advisor Ginnie Faller says Atomic Arcade would be a great addition to the City of Lawrenceburg as an entertainment option for local families and for tourists. 

Faller added that the arcade would attract locals within a five miles radius, tournament groupies who travel regionally, and entertainment enthusiasts who are seeking something new for their families to do. 

Lowe has 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and plans build a menu with easy to eat food with an emphasis on quesadillas. Atomic Arcade will also serve sodas, canned beer, and frozen slushy drinks. 

Adult hours could be implemented around 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. 

Once financing is approved, Lowe says the arcade could be open within six months.