North Carolina Esports Academy

North Carolina Esports Academy

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise NC Esports Academy for its fun, family-friendly environment, excellent staff (especially Caleb), and engaging programs like camps, leagues, and parties. Many highlight its positive impact on kids, STEM focus, and welcoming atmosphere. However, some criticize poor management, unprofessional staff, technical issues with PCs/games, and lack of supervision during activities. While most ratings are 5-star, a few 1-2 star reviews mention safety concerns, disorganization, and unmet expectations. The consensus leans positive, but inconsistent experiences suggest variability in service quality.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Consoles
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Consoles
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

316 Colonades Way #108C

Cary, North Carolina 27518

Customer Reviews

The environment is very welcoming, all staff is very supportive, helpful and I enjoy every moment every time I'm there. Definitely check them out!

This place is a great gaming environment for all ages! Triangle Esports Academy offers youth leagues, educational workshops, birthday parties, drop-ins, competitive tournaments and more!

My son participated in the Fortnite league over the summer. He loved it! Game days and practice days were his favorite thing to do all week! As parents, my wife and I were admittedly a little skeptical of the concept of eSports at first. We hadn't previously heard of the concept and we weren't sure how we felt about our son playing more video games. I have to admit though, we were both shocked at how many positive impressions we walked away with after we gave it a chance. Some of our favorite surprises wer

Don't waste your money. Believe the other reviews of an "unsafe" environment and staff that "can't be bothered". Counselors seemed very young and the times I saw them, they were always scrolling on their phones, not interacting with or watching the kids. They do lunch and free time in the grass area of Waverly Place and make zero effort to monitor the kids and ensure their safety in such a public area. I was working at a nearby cafe and watched the counselors sit and scroll on their phones while the kids we

My son had a birthday party with 4 guests and the experience was not as expected. We were the only customers there with 2 employees at 1130 Sunday morning. The kids were unfamiliar with PC usage and all wanted to play on the same server. The kids were loud and all talking at the same time and doing their thing so I kept trying to relay what they wanted to employees. One employee was not able to instruct the kids how to do that. He even said ?they can probably figure it out quicker than me.? The other sat i

My 12-year old son LOVES NC Esports Academy! We have been a loyal camp customer for years and recently hosted his 12th birthday party there. I can't recommend it enough for both! My son begs to go to camp (and talks it up to his friends, then they beg to go too) and the birthday party was a hit with him and his friends. Plus, Caleb and team make it all so easy! Grateful to have this resource so close to us!

My son has been going to summer camp at NC Esports for the last few years. It's a highlight of his summer. I appreciate that they do spend time outside and have learning components to the daily program.

Was a fun place until I felt unsafe in an environment that is supposed to be fun. Overhearing management treat their own workers like they're less and calling them names, hearing such close minded things coming from an entertainment center. I would never bring a child and expose them to these kinds of people.

Really fun environment to play games and host birthday parties. Definitely recommend it for anyone interested in playing games with friends. Game development workshops are simple and fun. A nice gateway into the word of game development.

Good place. Love Caleb and the team. Never really "crowded" and sometimes I'll play against or with Caleb in Fortnite, Overwatch, etc. PC's are pretty good, too. blaze_games

This place was a waste of money. The PCs didn't work well, none of the accounts were working, and not even the staff knew how to get the games working which, by the way all the games on the computers are free to play games meaning it would have been easier to just play them at home. Not worth your time or money just play the already free games from home.

Did our child?s birthday party here. It was super convenient and the kids loved it. There were so many games to choose from as well. Thanks for a great party!

We had my son?s birthday party there and it was amazing! Such a fun space! Perfect for gamers! Caleb and stuff were amazing!

Triangle Esports Academy is a great place to go to for camps and parties. The owner Caleb and the rest of the staff are fantastic to work with. They have a great influence on the kids teaching them gaming, life skills, and STEM. I was impressed with how seriously they take health and wellness by having the kids take computer breaks and go outside for recess during breaks. I highly recommend this establishment for your child's activity if they love gaming. Specifically Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox.

I run The Wakaboomee Program 501(c)3. It is a STEAM & Wellness Non-Profit that had the honor of partnering with North Carolina Esports Academy to provide coding session to our participating After School Programs in person and virtually this school year! The students in the After School Programs absolutely LOVED Caleb & his team?s Coding Instruction! The Coding Instruction was engaging & inspiring to our group of students who are in underserved communities and honestly would normally not have had the oppor

Hello I love this place I go there every year for summer camp the staff are funny great wonderful they do everything they can to fulfill your needs I don't have any complaints but I was wondering if they could add Valorant as one of the youth teams or rec league apart from that everything is great!!

Perfect family friendly kid friendly environment, amazing staff and fun all around. Can not wait for the next visit!

What place tells pro teams they can come use space for a bootcamp and proceeds to run a summer camp in the same space as them?!?!? Ridiculous how are they supposed to even hear themselves think yet alone play competitively. Awfully ran and a huge opportunity thrown out the window. Players are choosing a walmart as their location over you that should speak volumes about how things are ran.

We are so impressed with this business. Will definitely keep patronizing them and supporting their unique mission. My son loved it there!

One of the worse experiences I've ever had in my life. Never again!!! Edit: As you can see the owner is the actual bot trying to flag truth as false in order to hide real reviews

Quick little tip- Can you boost the frames using HPs gaming app? I swear i was running 40 frames on fortnite even with performance mode.

Good place and nice people and there camps are awesome and my kid went and had a blast

I highly recommend this place , they have updated equipment and great customer service! Fast internet with no lag and provided snacks!

Had a great time!!! Jewel did an excellent job showing us around . Thank you

Day camp skews very young, my middle schooler who is an avid gamer did not enjoy it.

Love this place! Enjoy coming here with friends and family to play our favorite games!

Staff acted like they were being bothered, pcs are not that good, not many games, had to call staff many times to log in

Amazing and friendly staff and tons of games to play.

Got my first Fortnite win here. 10/10

Great place run by an amazing and dedicated staff!

W place no kizzy cap

Very nice place to be

Had an awesome time playing against y'all in the AEA National Tournament! Your teams did fantastic!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”