The 2006 Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com) Tournament   traveler information

     Challenge Arcade is located in a large mall that's about an hour northwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and is very near the large city of Reading.  As noted on the main contest page, there are three choices of airports in the area, with each about the same driving time (an hour drive, give or take) away from the arcade.  Allentown / Bethlehem is the closest, but offers the least flight choices, and prices tend to be the highest.  Next is Harrisburg, which is quite a bit better with choices, and pricing.  Finally, Philadelphia offers the most flights in, and the lowest pricing.

    Once you arrive at the airport, directions would be helpful, as the final exits leading to the mall can be a bit of a challenge.  Basically, click this link to reach a page where you can input either your starting address, or the code of the airport you'll be arriving at, into the address box, and have full directions.  When you do arrive at the mall, keep in mind that the arcade is located on the second floor of the Berkshire Mall, and the easiest way to get to it is by driving around the 'back side' of the mall (which backs up to an intrastate highway), and looking for the large entryway in the center.  It is identifiable via a big neon sign that says 'Terrace Cafe'.  Enter one of the doors, and proceed up the escalator that will be immediately inside.  It will let you off where you can walk north-northwest to the arcade, which is about 100 feet away.

    After you've checked out the arcade, you'll no doubt head out to one of the nearby hotel / motels.  Click here for a map of the mall area, with a selection of nearby hotels plotted.  Through special arrangements, the chains listed in the table below this paragraph have extended reduced pricing to contest participants.  When booking your room (which should be done well in advance, either to avoid a sell-out (there's a Jazz festival in the area the same weekend), or because most chains have a cut-off date for these reduced rates), be sure to call using the provided phone number, and simply mention the Challenge Arcade / Classic Arcade Gaming tournament to get the listed rates.  You need not talk to anyone but the reservation person (which is usually the one that answers the phone) when you call; however, if there are any problems, then you can ask to speak to the contact person, who is listed in the table.  Finally, if things don't get resolved, you can via e-mail.

    Well, now that you know where the mall and local hotels are, what about eateries ?  Fortunately, the arcade is located right next to the mall's food court, which has the following businesses anchored to it:  Subway, Chick-Fil-A, China Max, Ray's #1 Pizza, Philly Steaks, Country Fair Fries and Dogs, and Turkey and Salad Sensations.  In addition, these restaurants and snack shops can be found elsewhere in the mall:  Arby's, Dairy Queen (desserts only), Momma Rosa Pizza, Ruby Tuesday, Ms. Field's Cookies, Coffee Beanery Ltd, Orange Julius, Aunt Annie's Pretzels, and Gertrude Hawk (chocolate).  Another place of interest is Rite Aid, which features candy and soft drinks.  Finally, there are literally a multitude of restaurants in the area surrounding the mall, and they probably number in the dozens, within a 1 mile radius.  Many are within easy walking distance, in addition.

    All right, let's wind up by taking a look at a list of players that have contacted me regarding their intentions on attending the event.  Keep in mind that this list is nowhere near complete, and a minimum of 2 or 3 dozen players are expected to enter this tournament.  In any case, let's look at the players who have let me know their information in advance, including the chances of their attendance, how long they'll stay, the games they intend to play (outside of the contest games), and if they are able to share a ride, and / or a room.  To contact them, simply click on their name (note: some players do not have the option to be contacted).  To add your information, click the link at the bottom of the table, or simply .  Thanks for everyone's support and help, and I'll see you at the event come St. Patrick's Day !

Click above to close this window...