Dave & Buster’s opens new Columbus venue July 20

Dave & Buster’s will open a 20,573-square-foot location in Columbus, Georgia, on July 20 with a ribbon-cutting at 9:45 a.m. The new site brings arcade games, sports viewing, private game suites and group event space to Whittlesey Boulevard.

Why it matters: - The Columbus opening expands Dave & Buster’s footprint in Georgia with a larger entertainment and dining venue built for game play, sports viewing and group events. - The location is positioned as a community gathering spot with promotions aimed at families, workers and organized celebrations.

What happened: - Dave & Buster’s will open its newest Columbus location on Monday, July 20, at 5700 Whittlesey Blvd. - The company plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:45 a.m. - Doors open at 10 a.m. - The venue covers 20,573 square feet. - The first 100 guests in line on opening day will receive free unlimited video game play for the day, with terms and conditions applying.

The details: - The Columbus venue includes more than 100 arcade games. - Private Game Suites offer a separate space for groups with High Tech Darts or Social Shuffleboard, TV control and food and drink service. - The sports bar features a 40-foot screen and more than 30 oversized HDTVs. - The gaming lineup includes Top Gun: Maverick, Human Crane and UFC Challenge. - UFC Challenge is exclusive to Dave & Buster’s through January 2027. - The menu includes steaks, game day wings, burgers and shareable dishes. - The Eat & Play Combo costs $19.99. - Half-priced games are offered all day every Sunday and Wednesday. - Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with cocktails, domestic drafts and wine starting at $5. - Military Mondays give guests with a valid military ID a free $10 Power Card and 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages all day. - Teacher Tuesdays give guests with a staff ID the same free $10 Power Card and 15% discount. - Columbus hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. - Group bookings are open for corporate outings, team-building events, holiday parties and milestone birthdays. - The venue offers dedicated event spaces and customizable food and beverage packages. - More information is available on Dave & Buster’s website. - Group inquiries can be submitted at dnbparty.com.

Between the lines: - Dave & Buster’s is leaning on opening-day giveaways and recurring discounts to drive traffic early and keep visits coming back. - The mix of private suites, a large sports bar and party packages suggests the company wants the Columbus site to serve both casual guests and larger groups. - The emphasis on sports viewing and new game attractions reflects a push to compete for both dine-in spending and entertainment dollars in one visit.

What's next: - The Columbus location will begin regular operations after the July 20 opening. - Guests can expect the venue to continue offering daily game play, food, drink and group-event options under the posted hours. - Dave & Buster’s will continue marketing the site for celebrations and private bookings through its event inquiry channel.

The bottom line: - Dave & Buster’s is betting that a bigger games-and-sports format, plus opening-day freebies, will quickly establish its new Columbus venue as a destination.