SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The Garage, South Bend’s first arcade bar, launched its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, and hopes to open sometime during spring of 2019.

Located in the old Lasalle Body Shop, the bar will offer free arcade games like Pacman, Pinball, and Galaga. Modern games such as Fortnite and Super Smash Brothers will also be available.

The bar is also collecting old or broken arcade machines from around the community to include in the space.

The Garage will serve a wide array of hard liquor and beer. It will also sell non-alcoholic specialty drinks and mocktails.

“It’s really important to me that if you don’t drink, you can still have a good time. So we’re going to have a whole list of drink that are non-alcoholic so you can still come and hangout with your friends and still feel a part of it. So it’s just a place for everyone in the community to hangout and have a good time,” said Anna Nelson, The Garage's Event and Media Director.

Renovations of the space have already begun and the group of South Bend locals behind the project hope to use funds raised on Indiegogo to set up décor, acquire arcade games, and supply alcohol. The project has a flexible goal of $40,000.

Brian Heckman of Granger donated money to the campaign at the $120 “Free Drink Tuesday” perk level, which entitles him to a free drink every Tuesday during the bar’s first year open.

“I’m excited for the business and I want it to have a solid opening as soon as possible. I’m a nerd at heart. I love the idea of a place that embraces the nerd within each person and combines it with a positive community and social environment,” Heckman said.

The new addition to South Bend's East Bank Village will open with or without donations this spring. For more information, visit The Garage's website.