Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge is rolling the dice on a brand-new venture, officially opening its doors at 119 Second St. Suite 300 in Coralville on Saturday, April 12.
Since late 2023, Diversions has hosted pop-up tabletop events across the Iowa City area, fostering an inclusive and casual gaming culture at spots like The Green House and Press Coffee.
A successful crowdfunding campaign in early 2024 – backed by more than 140 supporters – helped launch the search for a permanent location. Now, in the space formerly occupied by Bits & Pieces, co-owners Sean Finn and Nolan Petersen are creating a hub for non-competitive, welcoming gameplay, aiming to bring people together through the shared joy of analog entertainment.
Both Mr. Finn and Mr. Petersen, longtime gaming enthusiasts, found inspiration in Fortuna, a former board game café in Downtown Iowa City. After Fortuna closed, the duo toured game cafés and shops throughout the Midwest, gathering ideas to shape a community-driven space that fills the gap and offers a fresh perspective.
Diversions will feature frequent events, including Dungeons & Dragons meetups, jigsaw puzzle competitions, and LGBTQ-friendly ‘gaymers gatherings,’ alongside an extensive selection of gaming accessories and refreshments.
“Gaming started as a casual enjoyment for me and Sean,” said Mr. Petersen, in a release. “But after experiencing the way we were drawn toward other gamers and gaming spaces, opening a community-driven lounge felt like the perfect fit.”
“We wanted to continue investing in our Iowa City community, and building a space where people can come together through play is a dream come true,” Mr. Finn added. “We’re incredibly grateful to the advisors, mentors, volunteers, and gamers who helped make this possible.”
Diversions’ grand opening runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 12, with a brief ceremony and remarks at 1 p.m. Attendees can explore a library of 400 board, card, dice and role-playing games, sample a variety of snacks and drinks, browse an eclectic gift shop and gaming retail selection, or even book a session in the immersive private gaming room.
The gaming lounge will operate Wednesday through Thursday from four to 10 p.m., Friday from one to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Regular and special events will include game creator meetups, tournaments, and guided ‘learn-to-play’ sessions.
Gaming passes, granting access to the extensive game library, start at $7 for two hours, with an all-day option available for $14. Signing up for the free Gameologist membership rewards gamers with $1 off those pass prices, and paid Gameologist memberships provide even greater discounts and perks.
