NEWPORT, Ky. — Tom Heim is the market general manager for Velocity Esports opening up at Newport on the Levee. Velocity is an esports and entertainment company, filling the void after Newport’s Gameworks closed in December. 

“Everything is elevated. It’s like a half a million dollar remodel that we did. Everything looks nicer, cleaner. We’ve got all the bells and whistles. It’s just going to provide a great experience for the guests coming down and trying us again,” Heim said.

Helm said there are many types of games to be found in this renovated space—games you’re used to seeing in an arcade, and more. He said his favorite part is a social lounge, designated for those 21 and up to come hang out and play foosball and other nostalgic games. It’s a way to grab younger adults and bring them in.

“I think this 21 and up is really going to play a part in getting young millennials to come down and hang out, feel comfortable with the cool couches and set-ups back there,” he said.

It’s also got an Esports Lounge with spaces set up for people to sit down to play video games and play in-person events and tournaments.

 “People don’t realize it, like if you’re playing a game of ping-pong you’re usually pretty competitive and people put score boards up well same thing is with gaming in esports. So we’re going to give them the opportunity to do that,” Christopher Karlewicz, esports senior brand manager, said.

It’s something Heim said caters to people of all experience levels and ages.

“We literally cater from the ages of 2 to 70. There’s really nothing that somebody can’t find here to have fun with,” Heim said.