News Summary
Gameway has launched its first gaming lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, offering travelers state-of-the-art gaming stations equipped with popular consoles and PCs. With options for different lengths of gaming sessions and a relaxed atmosphere, it appeals to a diverse range of travelers, including families and aviation professionals. Monthly passes are also available for frequent flyers. This innovative addition enhances the airport experience by providing entertainment options while waiting for flights.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A new gaming experience has arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with the opening of Gameway, a dedicated gaming lounge that debuted in 2022 as part of the airport’s Concourse E expansion. This innovative space aims to provide travelers with a recreational option as they await their flights.
Gameway features individual gaming stations equipped with popular gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox, along with state-of-the-art Razer gaming PCs and accessories. The company has made a significant investment of over $1 million per location, ensuring a premium experience for its patrons.
The pricing structure for using Gameway’s amenities is straightforward, offering affordable options tailored for various lengths of stay. Guests can choose from the following pricing:
- $17.99 for up to 30 minutes
- $27.99 for up to one hour
- $45.99 for unlimited gaming time during operating hours
- Monthly passes are also available for frequent travelers
The lounge is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing ample time for travelers to enjoy gaming before their departures or after arrivals. Gameway is not exclusive to Charlotte, as additional locations can be found in major airports like Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Houston Hobby, Chicago Midway, John F. Kennedy in New York, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne.
Visitor Experience
A recent visit to Gameway illustrated the lounge’s appeal. Patrons included a variety of travelers, such as pilots and families, who were eager to pass the time with games. One traveler, a pilot from PSA Airlines, opted for an unlimited gaming pass while waiting for his flight, pointing to the lounge’s popularity among aviation professionals. NBA 2K25 emerged as a favored game among visitors.
Notably, the experience is not limited to seasoned gamers. Even those unfamiliar with video games found enjoyment in the environment. For instance, one visitor, feeling out of place due to a lack of gaming experience, settled on using an Xbox after interacting with a Gameway employee. This staff member shared a personal connection to gaming, explaining that they enjoy it as a hobby due to an injury that restricted their ability to play sports. This kind of interaction highlights the community atmosphere fostered within the lounge.
The first gaming venture for some included classic titles such as Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, providing a nostalgic gaming experience while others dove into sports simulations like NBA 2K25. Despite varying skill levels, the lounge provided a welcoming environment for all, with patrons often losing track of time as they engaged in gameplay and conversation.
Conclusion
As air travel continues to evolve, facilities such as Gameway highlight the growing trend of offering leisure activities at airports. With a diverse range of gaming options and a relaxed atmosphere, Gameway enhances the travel experience for both casual gamers and enthusiasts alike. This innovative concept offers a unique way for travelers to unwind and enjoy their time before boarding, marking a progressive step in airport amenities.
For those traveling through Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Gameway presents an exciting opportunity to turn downtime into entertainment, securing its place as a favored stop for passengers of all ages.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Gaming News
- Wikipedia: Gaming Lounge
- WCCB Charlotte: Favorite Gaming Consoles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Video Game
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
