A new retail and community space for gamers, Blasting Off Games, has officially opened in the Highview neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. Located at 7513 Outer Loop, the store aims to provide more than just products by establishing a dedicated social hub for enthusiasts of tabletop games, trading cards, and video games.
The store's owner, Jason Downey, is championing the concept of a "third space," a term for a social environment separate from home and work. With seating for over 100 people, the establishment encourages in-person interaction and community building through shared hobbies.
Key Takeaways
- Blasting Off Games, a new gaming store, has opened at 7513 Outer Loop in Highview, Louisville.
- The store focuses on creating a "third space" for community interaction outside of home and work.
- It features seating for over 100 people to play tabletop games, RPGs, and card games.
- The business sells video games, trading cards, and other collectibles.
- The owner's goal is to encourage face-to-face social gaming.
A New Destination for Louisville's Gaming Community
Blasting Off Games celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, welcoming residents from Highview and surrounding areas. The store is positioned as a central location for gamers to gather, play, and connect with others who share their interests.
The establishment's primary mission is to foster a local community. While it offers a range of retail products, including popular video games, sought-after trading cards, and various collectibles, its main focus is on providing a physical place for social activity. This model addresses a growing desire for dedicated spaces where people can engage in their hobbies together.
The "Third Space" Philosophy
The core concept behind Blasting Off Games is the creation of what sociologists call a "third space." This idea refers to places where people can unwind, socialize, and build community bonds, distinct from the primary environments of home (the first space) and the workplace (the second space).
Understanding the Third Space
The term "third space" was popularized by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book The Great Good Place. He argued that these informal public gathering spots—like cafes, parks, and community centers—are essential for a healthy civil society, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.
Owner Jason Downey emphasized this vision for his store. In a news release, he expressed his desire for the venue to be a place where people can move beyond digital interactions.
"I hope that folks will get out from behind their screens and come play their favorite board game, tabletop RPG, or trading card game with friends (or strangers) in the real world," Downey stated.
This approach directly counters the often-isolated nature of online gaming by providing a structured, welcoming environment for face-to-face engagement. The goal is to build lasting connections among patrons through the shared experience of gaming.
Designed for In-Person Interaction
To facilitate its community-focused mission, Blasting Off Games has dedicated a significant portion of its floor plan to gameplay. The store features tables and seating for more than 100 individuals, making it one of the larger dedicated gaming spaces in the area.
This ample capacity is designed to accommodate various forms of tabletop gaming simultaneously. Patrons can participate in everything from casual board game nights to organized tournaments for trading card games like Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon, as well as immersive tabletop role-playing game (RPG) sessions such as Dungeons & Dragons.
The Growth of Tabletop Gaming
The global board games market was valued at approximately USD 13.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to continue growing. This trend reflects a rising interest in social, screen-free entertainment and the community-building aspect of tabletop hobbies.
By providing the physical infrastructure, the store removes common barriers for players, such as finding a suitable location with enough space for their group. It encourages both established groups and individuals looking to meet new players to use the space.
Product Offerings and Store Information
In addition to its community space, Blasting Off Games operates as a full-service retail store for gaming enthusiasts. The inventory is curated to appeal to a wide range of interests within the gaming world.
What's Available for Purchase
- Video Games: A selection of new and classic titles for various consoles.
- Trading Card Games (TCGs): Booster packs, starter decks, and single cards for popular TCGs.
- Tabletop RPGs: Core rulebooks, adventure modules, and accessories for role-playing games.
- Board Games: A variety of strategy, family, and party board games.
- Collectibles: Figurines, merchandise, and other items related to gaming culture.
The combination of a retail storefront and a large play area creates a comprehensive hub for the local gaming scene. Players can purchase new games or supplies and immediately use the dedicated space to play.
Operating Hours
Blasting Off Games is open seven days a week to accommodate different schedules. The store's hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
These extensive hours, particularly into the evening on weekdays, are designed to make the space accessible for after-work and weekend gaming sessions, further solidifying its role as a consistent and reliable community center for gamers in Louisville.