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Kansas City, MO

North America

United States

# LEVELUP Arena – Gaming Hub in Kansas City, MO

LEVELUP Arena, located at 1800 Genessee St, Ste 254, Kansas City, MO, is an innovative gaming venue that combines a modern gaming experience with a community-focused atmosphere. This unique establishment offers a variety of gaming options, including high-end PCs and consoles, catering to gamers of all ages. Since its relocation from Overland Park, Kansas, to the HyVee Arena in Kansas City, it has quickly become a popular spot for both casual gamers and eSports enthusiasts. The venue is noted for its friendly staff and vibrant environment, making it a go-to destination for gaming events and social gatherings.

## History
### The story of LEVELUP Arena
LEVELUP Arena was founded with a vision to create a dedicated space for gamers to connect, compete, and enjoy their passion in a supportive environment. The founders aimed to bridge the gap between casual gaming and professional eSports, providing a platform for gamers to hone their skills while fostering a sense of community.

### Milestones and growth
- Relocated from Overland Park, Kansas, to Kansas City, Missouri.
- Established within the HyVee Arena, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
- Developed partnerships with local eSports organizations and gaming communities.
- Launched eSports camps aimed at youth engagement and skill development.
- Created a vibrant gaming district alongside other entertainment venues.

### Cultural and local influence
LEVELUP Arena has significantly impacted the local gaming culture by promoting eSports and providing a space for gamers to gather. Its presence has contributed to the growth of the Gametime District, which includes various entertainment and dining options, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The arena has also hosted local tournaments, drawing attention to Kansas City as a burgeoning hub for gaming.

### Continuing the tradition
As LEVELUP Arena continues to grow, it remains committed to its founding vision of fostering community and supporting gamers. The venue regularly updates its offerings and hosts events that cater to both casual and competitive players, ensuring that it remains relevant in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

## Community
### Community involvement
LEVELUP Arena actively engages with the local community by hosting events, tournaments, and gaming camps. These initiatives not only provide entertainment but also encourage collaboration among gamers and local businesses. The arena's involvement with the Kansas City eSports Coalition further solidifies its commitment to promoting gaming as a positive and inclusive activity.

### Community notion about the place
The community views LEVELUP Arena as a valuable addition to the local entertainment scene. Many patrons appreciate the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere, which fosters a sense of belonging among gamers. However, some feedback indicates that improvements are needed in terms of signage and accessibility, particularly for newcomers trying to locate the venue.

### Events and gatherings
LEVELUP Arena hosts a variety of events, including gaming tournaments, themed nights, and community gatherings. These events attract a diverse crowd, from casual gamers to serious competitors, creating a lively and engaging environment. The arena also collaborates with local businesses to enhance the overall experience, offering food and drink options that complement the gaming atmosphere.

## Offerings
### What LEVELUP Arena offers
LEVELUP Arena provides an extensive range of gaming options, including high-performance PCs and consoles, catering to both casual and competitive gamers. The venue is designed to accommodate various gaming preferences, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable. Additionally, the arena offers eSports camps and mentorship programs for aspiring gamers, fostering skill development and community engagement.

### Dining and food experience
While primarily a gaming venue, LEVELUP Arena also features a bar where patrons can enjoy drinks while gaming. The proximity to Gametime Bar & Grill allows guests to order food directly to their gaming stations, enhancing the overall experience. This unique dining option encourages social interaction and adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the arena.

### Events and packages
LEVELUP Arena offers various packages for gaming sessions, including hourly rates for PC and console use. Special events, such as tournaments and themed gaming nights, are regularly scheduled, providing opportunities for gamers to compete and socialize. The arena also offers eSports camps for youth, focusing on skill development and teamwork.

### Facilities and features
- High-performance gaming PCs and consoles
- Comfortable gaming stations
- Bar area for drinks and snacks
- Event space for tournaments and gatherings
- Mentorship programs for aspiring eSports athletes

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of LEVELUP Arena highlight a mix of positive experiences and areas for improvement. Many patrons appreciate the friendly staff and the variety of gaming options available. However, some reviews indicate issues with accessibility and communication regarding events and camps.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently commend the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff. The venue's commitment to fostering a community for gamers is also a significant highlight, with many visitors expressing their enjoyment of the gaming experience. The ability to order food and drinks while gaming is another appreciated feature that enhances the overall experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some guests have reported challenges with connectivity and technical issues during gaming sessions. Additionally, there have been instances of miscommunication regarding events, particularly with the eSports camps, leading to disappointment among attendees. These contrasts highlight the need for ongoing improvements in customer service and operational efficiency.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, LEVELUP Arena offers a unique and engaging gaming experience in Kansas City. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in communication and technical support, the venue's strengths in community engagement and friendly service make it a popular choice for gamers of all ages.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
LEVELUP Arena is situated in the vibrant city of Kansas City, MO, specifically within the HyVee Arena at 1800 Genessee St, Ste 254. This location is part of the Gametime District, which features various entertainment options, including bars and music venues. The area is known for its lively atmosphere and accessibility, making it a great destination for both locals and visitors. The surrounding neighborhood offers a mix of cultural attractions, dining options, and recreational activities, enhancing the overall experience for those visiting LEVELUP Arena.

## FAQs
**What are the operating hours of LEVELUP Arena** The arena typically operates from noon to midnight on weekdays and extends hours on weekends.
**Is there a membership fee to use LEVELUP Arena** No, patrons can pay hourly for gaming sessions without a membership requirement.
**Are food and drinks allowed in the gaming area** Yes, guests can enjoy food and drinks while gaming, with options available on-site.

## Visit LEVELUP Arena Today
LEVELUP Arena invites you to experience a unique gaming environment in Kansas City, MO. With its diverse offerings, community-focused atmosphere, and commitment to enhancing the gaming experience, it stands out as a premier destination for gamers. Whether you're looking to compete in eSports, enjoy casual gaming with friends, or participate in community events, LEVELUP Arena has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to be part of this vibrant gaming community!

3ef9b1da-4a7a-4dd4-9fbc-436cf4f53cec

We actually went just for the LAN connection, but I can guarantee we'd come back for gaming with friends. Loved the vibe they set up in here. It was a little difficult to figure out how to access the place due to closed lots and such, but the Arena staff off Lot B were super-nice. We desperately needed some help with a high speed connection for a work thing. My partner in crime called and talked to Guillermo (hope I spelled it right, brother!) and he was a pro - made sure knew what time they close as it was already in the 8pm hour and didn't want to leave us hanging. Guillermo was cleaning up from the day when we got there and dropped everything to make sure we were taken care of and undisturbed. He got me plugged in immediately and we fired off what we needed to quick. The charge per hour was super-reasonable and with a free drink? Internet cafes of the 90's might be dead, but arenas like this are a godsend when you need some speed for up/down connections.

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As someone from out of state, I was surprised to not find LevelUp Arena at its original Overland Park, Kansas location - ends up it moved locations some time back to the HyVee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. We got lost trying to find it, but unfortunately it seems that large signage is missing because it's in a historic location. We didn't end up visiting due to not knowing the above information, but hope others can enjoy their time there!

1d89d945-f62c-4afb-b0b3-769538888ea2

Now the Gametime District is an amazing new business area with an idea that has the potential to turn into something big. This little district includes LevelUp, Exp Bar, Vivo Music Venue, and Gametime bar & Grill. 5 out of 5 for the concept and the business model itself. Now to focus on LevelUp Arena - this setup reminds of an internet cafe with PCs and console systems on one side and you are paying $10 for an hour. While there are other arcades or video game venues that you just pay a flat rate and it's play all day, so hopefully they get away from charging per hour in the future. With it being a new business, they definitely have kinks they need to work out. The games that were on the PC were a hassle to play, as majority of the games got held up with security checks, login problems, or having to get the 'code' from the business e-mail due to authentication issues. So, one has to resort to the less than a handful of games that used a 'house account.' Hopefully they can work out these kinks within the next few months. Interesting thing since it is next to Gametime Bar & Grill - you can order food and have it while you game or just run up to the bar in Levelup and grab a drink. Hopefully this doesn't become an issue with people eating their greasy burgers and getting food in the keyboards. Definitely a fan of this 'district' as a whole, they just have a few 'new business quirks' they need to work out.

f959eb95-03f0-4280-836d-9432992b4149

We had an extremely poor experience with LEVELUP Arena. Our 8 year old son has a passion for gaming and wants to get into eSports. He's been drooling over pro gaming rigs for the past few months, so we decided to sign him up for the eSports camp at LEVELUP. We wanted him to get some experience on a gaming computer, get some mentorship from experienced eSport athletes, and compete in an actual tournament with peers. This place has many positive reviews, we'd seen the positive press from the KC Sport Commission and their involvement with the KC eSports Coalition, and their website promoted a structured 5-day curriculum in a positive environment aimed at developing a healthy approach to gaming. This all sounded perfect. We signed up and paid the dues over a week in advance via the website, but decided to make this a surprise and didn't tell him about the camp until about 2 hours before heading there. He was so excited that his eyes teared up and he gave his mom and I the biggest hugs we've ever had from him. Fast forward a couple hours to walking into LEVELUP Arena for the camp that was supposed to start at 1:00 pm. The place is a ghost town except for the college aged person working the front desk. He was surprised to hear we were there for a camp and had no knowledge that LEVELUP even did camps. In his defense, he claimed to have only worked there for a couple weeks so he was still learning. He was empathetic and helpful, but didn't know what to do and needed to contact management. As we waited (for the children's camp) the large video board had a live stream playing with profanity laden audio blasting through the entire place. To be specific, one of the things our child heard while we stood there was "we wine 'em and dine 'em, s*ck 'em and f*ck 'em". The employee turned it off upon request. Management texted back that the camp was cancelled and an email will be going out. Mind you, we're standing in the place, and it's now 10 minutes after the camp was supposed to start. Our son was devastated, and we were devastated for him. No communication, no explanation. We were just told that a refund would come through in the next few days. I did receive the refund that evening and was expecting an accompanying email or phone call to further explain the situation, but that has not happened. LEVELUP's website is still taking registrations for this and other camps as of the time of writing this review. I am disappointed that our son didn't get the eSport experience that we were looking for, and I am angered by the way LEVELUP Arena has handled the customer service side of this.

1084d98b-9dd2-4d4d-9a30-0b6cbc806d69

I took my 9yr old son to play games. He's been bugging me and I am an old school gamer myself. But I didn't know what to expect and how this place would work. The lady who helped me was extremely nice and helpful. They have a great set up and many many options for game systems and games. I will be back for sure!

9e0a3b90-6e92-47cd-85e1-913854136332

If you like having someone reboot your machine multiple times trying to fix connectivity issues You are at the right place.

6f9d7641-aaaf-4269-889b-944cda6954b9

If you like playin video games with friends, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars on high end PC's and next-gen consoles, this place is for you.

2183eff2-eef0-4349-bc05-5af9c2b5083a

Incredible place. My friends and I take our kids here and let them game while we enjoy drinks and hang out. The staff is always kind and welcoming.

Discover LEVELUP Arena in Kansas City, MO—an exciting restaurant offering unique dining experiences. Visit us at 1800 Genessee St for unforgettable meals.

LEVELUP Arena in Kansas City - Top Restaurant & Entertainment

Kansas City

LEVELUP Arena

Missouri

Explore the full menu at LEVELUP Arena in Kansas City. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 1800 Genessee St, Ste 254.

LEVELUP Arena Menu - Food & Drinks in Kansas City

Learn about LEVELUP Arena in Kansas City, MO. A premier dining and entertainment spot at 1800 Genessee St, Ste 254. Discover our story and offerings.

About LEVELUP Arena in Kansas City, MO

Opening hours for LEVELUP Arena, Kansas City. Find opening hours for LEVELUP Arena, Kansas City at 1800 Genessee St, Ste 254.

LEVELUP Arena Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

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Experience the Menu at LEVELUP Arena

The Wellness Cafe

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