1Up Arcade Bar in Denver - The Original

Say it ain't so: there will be no more Ms. Pac-Man, Asteroids or Pinball while you're pre-gaming for a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.

One of the coolest bars in Denver announced they were closing down for good, effective Monday. They've been a staple on Blake Street, right near Coors Field since March of 2011.

Of course - sadly - I'm talking about the 1Up Arcade Bar in LoDo.

The LoDo location is but one of their handful of locations across the Denver Metro area, but it was the first and it's long been a fan favorite - Rockies and vintage video games alike.

When they opened, it was a pretty original concept. Not a lot of bars were loaded with a legit selection of classic arcade games. A whole new bar/entertainment category now exists, thanks in part to the revolution 1Up was a part of starting back when they opened.

Regarding shutting down this location, their owner posted on their Facebook page:

Like so many businesses, we faced enormous challenges throughout our journey. We survived economic downturns, changing consumer habits, and a global pandemic. Thanks to the loyalty of our guests and the dedication of our staff, we always found a way to keep moving forward.

Ultimately, however, the combination of changing conditions in downtown Denver and the increasing financial pressures facing the hospitality industry made it clear that it was time for the next chapter.

The good news is fans of the concept, if not just the Coors Field and LoDo location, have plenty of other locations to choose from. There's one on Colfax, one in Greenwood Village, one in Westminster and they're getting set to open the biggest location of them all in downtown Lakewood, coming soon.