News Summary
Birmingham, Alabama is preparing to open the state’s first Up-Down Arcade Bar on April 4. This venue, located in the Parkside district, will feature over 60 arcade games, pinball tables, skeeball, and a menu of more than 40 beers on tap. Expected to enhance nightlife options and foster local economic growth, Up-Down aims to create a vibrant entertainment hub for both residents and visitors.
Birmingham Prepares for Up-Down Arcade Bar Opening in Parkside District
Birmingham, Alabama is set to welcome the state’s first Up-Down Arcade Bar on April 4 at 6 PM. This venue will be located in the Parkside district and is the latest expansion from a brand that began in Des Moines, Iowa in 2012. As more people seek entertainment options that combine nostalgia with social experiences, Up-Down’s arrival is expected to attract both locals and visitors, potentially reshaping Birmingham’s nightlife landscape.
Features of Up-Down Arcade Bar
The Up-Down Arcade Bar will feature an impressive collection of over 60 classic arcade games, 12 pinball tables, five lanes of retro skeeball, and three lanes of Hoop Fever. In addition to games, guests will have access to a selection of more than 40 beers on tap and a menu that includes made-to-order pizza using in-house dough. Such a variety offers a blend of culinary and gaming experiences that are increasingly popular among younger demographics.
Local Economic Impact
With the establishment of Up-Down, local economists predict a positive economic ripple effect in the Parkside district. An economic impact report from the City of Birmingham notes that new entertainment venues can lead to increased foot traffic, benefiting surrounding businesses. The Urban Supply development, where Up-Down is located, is also home to Dogtopia, THRIVE Coworking, Leafly Boba Bar, and Fairway Social. This diverse mix aims to create a walkable urban experience, potentially enhancing local property values and attracting further investment.
- Location: Parkside district of Birmingham.
- Game Offerings: 60+ arcade games, realms of pinball tables, skeeball, and Hoop Fever.
- Drink Selection: 40+ beers on tap, cocktails, and pizza.
- Age Restrictions: 21 and up, with family hours during Birmingham Barons games.
Policy and Community Reactions
Up-Down’s opening coincides with Birmingham’s ongoing policies aimed at encouraging urban revitalization and development. The city has placed a focus on making neighborhoods more accessible and engaging. The Urban Supply project aims to combine historic property restoration with vibrant outdoor spaces, reflecting broader trends in urban planning that prioritize leisure and walkability.
Local officials and urban planners recognize the importance of such developments for attracting younger residents and maintaining the city’s relevance in an evolving market. Expert insights suggest that by creating multifaceted entertainment hubs, cities like Birmingham can better compete with nearby metro areas, providing ample reasons for locals to stay and enjoy their city.
Community Engagement and Experiences
To enhance the opening experience, the first 100 guests at Up-Down will receive 20 free game tokens, generating excitement and engagement in the community. While effectively catering to an adult crowd, the establishment will also provide limited family hours during select Birmingham Barons games, acknowledging the desires of families to engage in local entertainment. This dual approach indicates an understanding of diverse community needs and interests.
As the Up-Down Arcade Bar prepares for its grand opening, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to amplify Birmingham’s cultural scene and offer a new avenue for entertainment and socialization. The growth of Birmingham’s Parkside district appears to be a promising sign for the city’s overall development, with Up-Down poised to be a significant player in that narrative.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Faces Store Closures Amid New Business Openings
Leafly Boba Bar Opening in Birmingham on March 29, 2025
Up-Down Arcade Bar Set to Transform Birmingham’s Parkside
Urban Supply Project Nears Completion in Birmingham
Birmingham’s Urban Supply Project Takes Major Leap Forward
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Up-Down Arcade Bar Sneak Peek
- Wikipedia: Arcade Bar
- CBS 42: Arcade Bar Opening News
- Google Search: Up-Down Arcade Bar Birmingham
- Bham Now: Up-Down Arcade Bar Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entertainment
- WVTM 13: Urban Supply Impact
- Google News: Parkside District Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
