Is game night at your place turning into a trivial pursuit? Maybe it’s time to think bigger. Like jumbo Jenga, oversized Uno and a giant “pool table” that’s sitting on the floor and full of soccer balls (more on that in a minute).
You’ll find it at The Gamer’s Gallery in Hamtramck. Opened by mom-and-dad team Ashleigh and Aaron Brock late last year, this former industrial warehouse – decorated with repurposed car seats, reclaimed wood and tires – is designed to be a one-stop shop for all ages. And it’s all inspired by their own gamers.
“Each part of The Gamer’s Gallery features my kids’ interests,” Ashleigh says. When it comes to the art on the walls that’s their 12-year-old. Sporting games are thanks to the 7-year-old; video games, their 13-year-old – and the youngest, who’s 2, sparked the karaoke.
“We are parents of four, so we’re always looking to do something new,” adds Ashleigh, who also co-founded Femology Detroit, a women’s business lounge. “We wanted to bring back the interactive family game night vibe.”
But what really sets the 6,500-square-foot gallery apart may be “footpool” – a unique pool-and-soccer-fused game Ashleigh stumbled across.
“Footpool is like the nine-ball pool game played with soccer balls,” she explains. “You stand on the table and kick the ball as opposed to (using) a pool stick.”
Drop in, reserve a table in advance or host a party to get in on the fun. Expect a “Bad Moms Night” in March, too.
- Address: 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck
- Hours: 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $15/weekdays, $20/weekends
