By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
MELBOURNE -- Those looking for classic arcade games, a great place to play pool and a chance to meet a group of friendly people are encouraged to visit Player's Billiards Club in Melbourne.
For more than 31 years at its location on Aurora Road, owner Joe Cagnina has adapted his pool hall with modern touches, all the while, keeping his facility fresh and modern.
"We kept up with the times by bringing in new things to constantly stay alive," Mr. Cagnina said. "You have to keep advancing everything. We have one of the most modern facilities around, and we have repeat customers because they enjoy coming to a place like this rather than going to a facility that is just one-faceted."
Four years ago, Mr. Cagnina updated his billiards club and added authentic arcade games, as well as other events for prizes that customers can play at their leisure.
"We give customers Visa gift cards for the arcade machines, as well as free soft drinks and coffee to all of the players when they come in," he said. "We also play bingo every other day. Right next to the arcade, we have the Player's Billiards Club, where people can come to shoot pool and entertain themselves."
The Player's Billiards Club also offers a variety of tasty finger foods for customers, including chicken strips, fries, nachos and more.
Mr. Cagnina said his arcade is also the only arcade that allows cigarette smoking indoors, which he said attracts customers from all over the county.
As customers enjoy competing against one another in Bingo and other activities, music fills the establishment, creating a fun atmosphere for players and customers.
"We play music through the place, so it doesn't have this sterile environment of other arcades," he said. "It's not a sit-down, quiet, serious place. It features entertainment."
The Player's Billiards Club is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is located at 1935 Aurora Road in Melbourne.
For more information about what the Player's Billiards Club offers, call (321) 254-8067.