News Summary
Birmingham is set to launch the Up-Down Arcade Bar on April 4, 2025, in the Parkside District. This entertainment venue will feature over 60 classic arcade games, 40 craft beers, and delicious house-made pizza. The opening night will offer 20 free game tokens for the first 100 guests. Designed to foster community and nostalgia, Up-Down aims to be a prominent destination for fun and games in Birmingham.
Birmingham Set for Arcade Fun with the Launch of Up-Down!
Attention, Birmingham! The excitement is building as the highly anticipated Up-Down Arcade Bar gears up for its grand opening this April 4, 2025! Are you ready to dive into a world of nostalgia, laughter, and oh-so-much fun? The doors will swing open at 6 PM in the heart of Parkside District, and you won’t want to miss out on what promises to be the city’s newest hotspot.
What is Up-Down?
For those who haven’t heard yet, the Up-Down Arcade Bar is all set to revolutionize your nights out. This will be the first Up-Down location in Alabama, adding to the growing list of seven others across the United States. Founded by the dynamic trio of Josh Ivey, Rafe Mateer, and Sam Summers in Des Moines, Iowa in 2012, Up-Down is all about embracing the joy of classic arcade games paired with craft beer and good eats.
Game On!
When you step inside, prepare to be transported back to the 1980s and 1990s with a variety of more than 60 classic arcade games at your fingertips. From pinball machines that will make you feel like a kid again to exciting skee-ball alleys, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. What’s even better? All games will use vintage pricing—so you only need a quarter to play! Yes, you heard that right; it doesn’t get more budget-friendly than that!
Delicious Drinks and Slices!
Ready to sip on a cold one while you rack up those game points? The large bar will boast over 40 craft beers on tap, featuring local brews and favorites from afar. But that’s not all; you can indulge in house-made pizza by the slice that is sure to satisfy those cravings after a long night of gaming. Imagine pairing a delicious slice with your favorite brew while flashing back to those simpler times!
Bringing Back Memories
The entire venue is designed to serve up a generous dose of nostalgia, with screens flashing classic games and an ambiance filled with the unforgettable sounds of the past. But why stop there? TVs throughout the bar will showcase iconic movies and pop culture references from the era, setting the perfect backdrop for a night filled with fun and laughs.
Outdoor Experience
Looking to soak up some sun? The Up-Down will feature a two-story container bar with a picturesque green space where you’ll find communal seating and outdoor games. Fancy a frozen drink? The outdoor bar will offer a separate menu for those looking to chill out on a warm evening. And for the sports fans, special promotions will align with Birmingham Barons home games just a stone’s throw away!
Special Opening Night Offer
To kick off the celebration, the first 100 guests to step through the doors on opening night will snag 20 free game tokens! It’s the perfect way to dive right into a night of fun. However, do keep in mind that guests must be 21 and older to enter. But don’t worry; family hours are planned for select Birmingham Barons games in the future—so everyone will get a chance to join in on the fun!
Join the Community
With a focus on fostering a sense of community centered around classic games and craft beer, Up-Down aims to be more than just a bar; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and everyone can have a good time.
So, mark your calendars for April 4, and bring your friends over to Birmingham’s Parkside District to experience all the fun and games that Up-Down has to offer!
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Sneak Peek at Up-Down Arcade Bar
- WBRC: New Birmingham Bar Mixes Nostalgia
- CBS 42: Arcade Bar Opening in Parkside District
- AL.com: Urban Supply Nears Completion in Parkside
- WVTM 13: Up-Down Arcade Bar & Pizza in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Arcade Game
- Google Search: Craft Beer in Birmingham
- Google Scholar: Nostalgia in Entertainment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arcade Game
- Google News: Arcade Bar 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.
