Sidetracks Board Game Club Opening Saturday

Bored? Looking for a date night idea? Want to try a new game that you aren’t quite prepared to commit to buying quite yet? Want to learn rules of the games? Tired of endless scrolling and staring at your phone?

Head over to Sidetracks Board Game Club at 205 Fifth Street.

Monopoly, Life, all the classics, all the new games … which is your favorite?

Owner Doug Smith is certain he has a game for everyone at Sidetracks. In fact, last he checked he had about 350 games.

“I’m actually not sure I am going to be able to fit them all on the shelves.”

That’s a lot of games! You can get a sneak peek at all the club has to offer during the grand opening tomorrow, Saturday September 2, at 10 a.m. during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Smith said the mission for this new business is simple: to provide a place for social interaction and community building through the fun and enjoyment of tabletop gaming in a casual, family-friendly environment.

Smith and his family have lived in Ellwood City for more than 20 years. After graduating from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, he worked in the field of transportation engineering and regional planning for 22 years also serving as a local youth baseball and soccer coach and a Boy Scout leader. In 2018, his passion for working with young people led him to pursue a career change and he received a Masters degree in Secondary Education from Slippery Rock University and currently works as a social studies teacher for an online education company.

His inclination to changing the lives of youth gives him the perfect opportunity at Sidetracks. The facility will host after school clubs from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and will feature a different club each day offering games with friends. Learn more about the clubs offered here.

“It’s kind of like signing kids up for little league or dance,” he said. “You buy membership for a season. Fall season will be 10 weeks from Labor Day until Thanksgiving, winter will continue through mid-March, and spring will continue until Memorial Day.” Learn more about memberships here. 

And Sidetracks is not just a hangout for kids. On Thursday nights there will game and sips that will be BYOB. Adults can also purchase a membership for 10 weeks or can come in pay cover charge of $10 and play all night.

Sidetracks will be open weekends for open gaming from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a cost of $10 for adults and $5 12 and under. Sundays are family days. For $25, you can bring your whole family. Learn more about open gaming and family days here.

Smith said he has six children, and they were raised on games. If the name Smith and games sounds familiar, it’s probably because his son Grady was one of the founders of Games to Give, a local non-profit that to date has given away 3,050 games.

And although gamers are certainly welcome at Sidetracks, Smith said it is designed more for family friendly play.

“It’s really meant for those looking for a fun and affordable family activity.”

He is also looking to welcome groups, church groups, to host birthday parties and other gatherings. Learn more about private events here. 

“It’s kinda like going to library except it’s games instead of books.”

Smith said he believes that games can play a pivotal role in the development of children. It provides them with skills of logic and social skills like being gracious winners and gracious losers.

The one thing Smith looks forward to the most when it comes to his club …

“I look forward to people having face-to-face interaction and putting their phones down for a few hours.”

Follow Sidetracks Board Game Club on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

And learn more about Doug Smith and his mission by visiting his website.