Aladdin’s Castle: West Towne Mall

West Towne Mall launched in 1970 on Madison’s west side. Suite 1-A became an Aladdin’s Castle arcade by 1978, quickly evolving into a teen hangout with Galaga, Pac-Man, and a bank of pinball machines. A 1989 *Wisconsin State Journal* coupon proclaimed “25¢ Tokens All Day!”—a legendary draw for Badger game-day crowds.

The arcade thrived into the late 1990s before shuttering during a 2003 food-court expansion. Although its mirrored entrance was dismantled, Dane-County nostalgia blogs still celebrate AC’s role in shaping Madison’s mall culture.