Entry No. 74 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: arcade-play
The Dugout Arcade & Cafe
Tucked into the old Chuck E. Cheese space near Mesa Mall, The Dugout is a baseball-themed arcade with more than 60 games plus a ballpark-style cafe. Expect a mix of Mario Kart, air hockey, NBA Hoops, and skill and redemption machines, with a menu of stadium-style sandwiches and subs. It's family-friendly and runs daily afternoon-into-evening hours.
The story
When Chuck E. Cheese abandoned its post at Mesa Mall, the space didn't get turned into another clothing store. Instead, the cavernous unit at 2424 Old US Hwy 6 & 50 was stripped of its animatronics, retrofitted with synthetic ballpark touches, and filled with more than 60 arcade cabinets to become The Dugout.
It lives in that specific sub-genre of local oddities: an alcohol-free, family-oriented baseball arcade where stadium subs replace bar food and ticket redemption reigns supreme. You come here to test your luck on Mario Kart, slam air hockey pucks, and exhaust your arms on NBA Hoops shooters while inhaling hot ballpark sandwiches.
What it's like
Step inside and you'll immediately recognize the structural bones of a mid-2000s birthday venue, just traded in for baseball signage and flashing game displays. Opening times flex around the local school calendar—expect later afternoon starts on school days—so hit it right when doors open if you want zero wait for the basketball hoops or twin driver setups. Order a stadium sub from the cafe counter before you start burning through game credits.
The move: Split a basket of ballpark snacks, then go best-of-three on the basketball hoop shooters and Mario Kart cabinets.
📍 Before you go Hours vary by school calendar (later start on school days); it's family-oriented, not a bar.
- 📍 Grand Junction (Mesa Mall area)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Big night
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 2424 Old US Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Bananas Fun Park — If 60-plus games inside the mall leave you wanting more screen time, head under a mile south to tackle Bananas' 12,000-square-foot arcade floor.
- Wrigley Field Sports Bar & Grill — Trade the family-friendly ballpark subs for adult sports bar energy and four premium pinball machines down on North Avenue.
- Arcadia @ Colorado Mesa University Center — Pivot from ticket-redemption flashing lights to analog tabletop games at CMU's dedicated digital-detox lounge.
Good to know
Where is The Dugout located?
It occupies the former Chuck E. Cheese space at Mesa Mall, located at 2424 Old US Hwy 6 & 50 in Grand Junction.
Is alcohol served at The Dugout?
No. The Dugout is strictly a family-focused arcade and cafe without a bar license, serving ballpark-style subs, sandwiches, and snacks instead.
What games do they have?
The floor holds over 60 machines, featuring Mario Kart twin cabinets, NBA Hoops basketball shooting games, air hockey, and a variety of skill and ticket redemption setups.
When is it open?
Hours shift based on the school calendar, typically opening later in the afternoon on school days and earlier on weekends or school breaks. Always verify current operating hours before heading over.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: gjsentinel.com · westernslopenow.com · kekbfm.com · places.singleplatform.com
last checked: 2026-06-23