Waypoint VRcade prepares for soft re-opening

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – As the state of Indiana enters phase four of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track” plan, businesses like Mishawaka’s virtual reality arcade are preparing for a soft opening.

Waypoint VRcade opened for 14 days before they had to close down because of the coronavirus pandemic. They even spent some time making hand sanitizer, while they’ve been closed. Starting tomorrow, the owners will be ready to open their doors to the community once again.

When customers walk into the buildings, they’ll find markings on the floor to help with social distancing. For the soft opening, gamers will be allowed to use the free roam platforms, these platforms help limit physical contact with surfaces, gear, and the equipment.

Todd Van Leeuwen, the owner, and chairman of Waypoint VRcade said they’ve always thoroughly cleaned their equipment before every user.

Game times have been extended to one game per hour, to give employees more time to clean the equipment between each user.

“The bigger difference is a deeper cleaning. We were already one of the cleanest environments we could be prior to be closed down,” Waypoint VRcade Owner and Chairman, Van Leeuwen said.

All employees will be required to wear a face mask; however, customers have the option to wear one. Van Leeuwen said they will be asked to wear a different type of face covering.

“What we do have, in addition to all of our other safety features is a face mask that covers your face with equipment. So it doesn’t actually touch even though that the surfaces are incredibly clean you still don’t have to touch the surfaces,” Van Leeuwen said

Booking slot to experience the virtual reality arcade can be done at the door starting June 12 at 2 p.m.