When you talk about playing pinball or going to arcades with most people, they probably think of the heyday of arcades in the 80s or 90s. Most people don’t know that arcades still exist and still provide third spaces for a lot of people. Let’s examine what a third space is and what you can do to support your local arcades to make sure they don’t disappear.
What is a third space?
A third space (or third place) is a “social environment separate from your home (the first space) and your workplace or school (the second space).” Sociologist Ray Oldenburg was the first to coin the term.
Third spaces for some folks might a coffee shop they like spending time at, or even a church they go to every week. For others (hopefully those reading this article) it might be a local arcade. Regardless of what the physical location might be, third spaces share a few core characteristics:
- Neutral ground: You are able to come and go as you please without feeling obligated to stay
- Equalizing: Status and hierarchy do not matter; everyone is on equal footing
- Conversation-Focused: The primary activity is socializing, sharing ideas, and building a sense of community
- Accessible and Welcoming: They are easy to get to, familiar, and feature regular attendees that help newcomers feel welcome
Why do arcades count as third spaces?
Especially if an arcade hosts tournaments, they check all of the boxes listed above. You can come and go as you please, to practice or participate in a tournament. Nobody is ahead of anyone else (unless they have the high score on a game). In between games you chat and get to know those in your group. And especially in a smaller pinball community, you have lots of familiar faces to help newbies get acquainted.
For me personally, once I joined the pinball community and started going to tournaments and arcades I really felt like I found my community. You get to know people you normally wouldn’t, share game knowledge, and experience something really cool and unique together.
Why do arcades and third spaces matter?
If you don’t support local arcades, they’ll slowly go away. Games will disappear. Hours will be limited. Locations will close. And then the options for not just tournaments, but third spaces in general will disappear.
It’s no secret that loneliness is on the rise across the country. When third spaces close, there are fewer opportunities for casual relationship-building that helps people feel connected to those around them and where they live.
This applies to all the third spaces: arcades, coffee shops, and even the local dive bar down the street. If you like a business, especially a local business, it’s important for you to show up and support them.
How can I support local arcades and other third spaces?
This seems obvious, but the best way to support local arcades is to go to them. Put money in games. Spend time there, even outside of tournaments. Go just for fun, when you don’t have plans. Get other people involved and interested. Share on social media how great these places are. Even if your favorite local bar has a couple games in the back, be sure to put money into them and play them so that they stick around. You never know how close a location is to closing forever until it is too late.
In Conclusion…
Third spaces are a way to fight the loneliness epidemic that many people are experiencing. Supporting local arcades are a way to ensure that third spaces stick around for the long term, helping people to make connections, socialize, and support local businesses. Do your part to help make sure these spaces stick around!
RIP to Quarters Sugar House.