Retro Gaming Bliss Awaits at Thornes Marketplace

Northampton, MA is about to be transported back in time as Hometown Arcade prepares to open its third location in the basement of Thornes Marketplace. This new arcade will offer a nostalgic gaming experience, featuring a vast collection of vintage video games that will delight both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Unlock the Secrets of the Past at Hometown Arcade's Northampton Outpost

A Blast from the Past Comes to Thornes Marketplace

Hometown Arcade, a rising star in the retro gaming scene, is set to open its doors in Northampton's iconic Thornes Marketplace this November. The new location will replace the former Acme Surplus, offering a unique and immersive gaming experience that promises to transport visitors back to the golden age of arcades.Owned by Matt Snow, Hometown Arcade has already established a strong presence with its flagship location in Norwood, Massachusetts, and an upcoming outpost in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The decision to expand to Northampton was not initially on Snow's radar, but after representatives from Thornes reached out with an enticing offer, he couldn't resist the opportunity."Northampton was originally not on my radar when I was thinking about opening another arcade in Massachusetts," Snow admitted. "But after the representatives of Thornes reached out to me with an appealing deal and 'VIP treatment,' I toured the place in person and found that Thornes was 'an opportunity that we couldn't say no to.'"

Unlimited Gaming Bliss with a Single Admission Price

The Northampton arcade will operate on a "free play" model, allowing visitors to enjoy unlimited gameplay for a single admission fee of $20 per person. This innovative approach eliminates the need for individual game tokens or quarters, providing a seamless and hassle-free gaming experience.In addition to the free-play model, the arcade will also offer a selection of alcoholic beverages and snacks, catering to the diverse tastes of its patrons. Snow is also exploring the possibility of partnering with a local pizza company, allowing visitors to order in and enjoy a full gaming and dining experience.

A Treasure Trove of Retro Gaming Delights

The Northampton location of Hometown Arcade will boast a collection of approximately 50 vintage video games, including beloved classics such as "Pac-Man," "Ms. Pac-Man," "Pac-Man Smash," "Mortal Kombat," "Big Buck Hunter," "Asteroids," "Tekken," "Centipede," and "Golden Tee." The arcade will also feature two different Ninja Turtles pinball games and a Ninja Turtles arcade cabinet, paying homage to the franchise's Northampton roots.To ensure a constantly evolving and engaging experience, Snow plans to rotate some of the games in storage, both to accommodate any potential breakdowns and to cater to the varying preferences of the arcade's visitors.

Fostering a Thriving Pinball Community

Hometown Arcade is committed to fostering a vibrant pinball community in Northampton. The arcade will host regular pinball tournaments sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA), the governing body of competitive pinball.Snow is particularly excited about the arcade's proximity to Smith College, which he believes will help support the growing community of women in pinball, a traditionally male-dominated scene. The arcade plans to collaborate with Belles and Chimes, an organization dedicated to promoting women's participation in pinball leagues and events.

A Smaller Footprint, but a Big Impact

While the Northampton location of Hometown Arcade will be smaller than the other two, spanning approximately 3,280 square feet with a capacity of around 210 people, Snow is confident that the arcade's central location within the bustling Thornes Marketplace will more than make up for the difference."We're just excited to be part of the Northampton community," Snow said, "and excited to be part of the Thornes space and the Thornes community."With its unique blend of vintage gaming, free-play accessibility, and a focus on fostering a thriving pinball community, Hometown Arcade's Northampton outpost is poised to become a must-visit destination for retro gaming enthusiasts and families alike. Get ready to be transported back to your youth and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of classic arcade games at Thornes Marketplace.