The distinct ding of arcade games and cheers of bar patrons as their favorite teams’ score will soon ring throughout Celebration Pointe.
Construction has begun on Gainesville’s future Dave and Buster’s location, a bar and arcade that is set to open summer 2020 at 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave, said Ed Forler, Vice President of Operations at Dave and Busters.
Dave & Buster’s has eight locations in Florida and after three years of planning, management decided to open a ninth at Celebration Pointe. The new location will be 19,000 sq. ft., Forler said.
The restaurant and entertainment chain has been in operation for 37 years, appealing to college students in Gainesville who may have grown up going to Dave & Buster’s with their families, said Forler.
While Dave and Buster’s is well known for its arcade games, Forler said college students may also be interested in watching football games in the entertainment center’s restaurant area.
“We have some of the largest screens for TV viewing so, for those that aren’t traveling on the away games, it’s a great place to meet,” Forler said.
Hannah Lamberg, a 21-year-old UF english and psychology senior, recently heard about the upcoming opening. She said she looks forward to the arcade games offered and that there are psychological benefits to occasional competitive game-play.
“Hanging out with friends in a friendly competitive space is positive for development,” Lamberg said.
