Games, Pizza and Stand-Up Under One Roof: A Night Out at The Vault in Downtown Portsmouth

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Scioto County

When the evenings turn cold, Portsmouth families do not have to drive to a city to find a night out. The Vault Family & Event Gaming Center at 317 Chillicothe Street in downtown Portsmouth packs arcade and console gaming, virtual reality, a café, birthday parties, and a live comedy club into one building.

Co-owner Brian James answered our questions about what a night at The Vault looks like, how its school esports field trips started, and how Studio 317 Comedy Club is going.

For a family that has never been in, what does a night at The Vault look like from the moment they walk in?

Families can play games together, try virtual reality, grab a bite at the Vault Café, or enjoy a live show at Studio 317 Comedy Club. The café serves pizza, ramen, and subs, while Studio 317 brings national comics to downtown Portsmouth. There is something here for family outings, birthday celebrations, and adults looking for a night out.

We welcome guests young and old alike. Kids can introduce a parent or grandparent to a game, while older family members share memories of the games they grew up with, giving everyone a chance to make new memories together. We are at 317 Chillicothe Street in downtown Portsmouth, and we would love to welcome your family.

Our public hours are temporarily Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. We plan to expand to six public days a week. Birthday parties and private events are available seven days a week.

With Halloween this month and colder nights coming, what are families and groups booking the most right now?

Families come for gaming, birthday parties, and group events. As the nights get colder, The Vault offers an indoor place to spend time together, with games, virtual reality, food, and live comedy on Studio 317 show nights.

Your school esports field trips bring students in during the school day to try competitive gaming. How did that idea start, and what do teachers tell you afterward?

The idea grew from wanting to connect students’ interest in gaming with STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math, in a hands-on setting. During a field trip, students use gaming technology, think strategically, solve problems, and practice communication and teamwork. We appreciate hearing what engaged students and teachers, and use that feedback to shape future visits.

You also host fundraisers where schools and local groups share in the ticket and hourly revenue. What makes a fundraiser night work well for a group?

We host fundraiser nights for schools and local groups, giving them a chance to earn a share of ticket sales and hourly gaming revenue. A successful night starts with a clear fundraising goal and letting families and supporters know about the event ahead of time. We work with each group to explain how guests can participate and how the fundraiser supports its goal.

Studio 317 Comedy Club puts live stand-up in downtown Portsmouth. What has the response been like so far?

About 50 people attended Studio 317’s opening show on October 3rd. It was encouraging to see people come downtown for live stand-up, and we are excited to keep bringing national comics to Portsmouth. Guests told us there are limited entertainment options for adults in the area, which reinforced why we wanted to create this space. Our next show is November 14.

The details: The Vault Family & Event Gaming Center, 317 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth. Public hours are Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with birthday parties and private events available seven days a week. Call or text (740) 370-9667, or visit thevaultohio.com.

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