Roanoke Starcade, situated at 1 Market Square SE in Roanoke, Virginia, operates as an interactive arcade and gaming museum within the second floor of Center in the Square. Having celebrated its grand opening on January 31, 2019, the venue quickly established itself as a local recreational destination. It offers a 3,000-square-foot space dedicated to a wide array of gaming experiences, featuring over 100 free-play games from both classic and contemporary eras, including titles such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Skee-ball, and Air Hockey. Visitors pay a single admission fee for unlimited play, akin to the experience offered at the neighboring Roanoke Pinball Museum.
The Starcade serves as a cultural archive, preserving the history of video games and providing a nostalgic, family-friendly environment for all ages. Its presence within downtown Roanoke contributes to the area’s array of attractions, offering a hub for gaming, competition, and private events, and aims to connect the community with the evolution of interactive entertainment. The naming of the venue itself is a tribute to another iconic Roanoke structure, underscoring its local integration and significance.