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The Change Center

The Change Center

Reviews Summary

The Change Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its friendly, helpful staff and family-friendly atmosphere. Many highlight it as a great venue for parties, kids' activities, and skating, with clean facilities and fun arcade games. Some appreciate affordable pricing, especially on Tuesdays. However, a few negative reviews mention issues like locked doors during operating hours, cold food, difficulty finding the entrance, and skating floor concerns. The center is praised for being safe, minority-owned, and community-focused, with several guests planning return visits. While most experiences are excellent, occasional service inconsistencies are noted.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
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 Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

203 Harriet Tubman St

Knoxville, Tennessee 37915

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday 6-9PM
Saturday 2:30-9:30PM
Sunday 6-9PM

Customer Reviews

Great space for a party! We had an AMAZING time and it's such a cool space!

My son had his 7yr old birthday party at the change center with the whole family. Everyone had a great time. The staff set up the party room so didn't have to do a thing. Would recommend having your party here. No hassle. Eazy peazy

This place is amazing! Enough said. The amenities here for the community, especially the youth, are top notch. Taking a tour and seeing it, I was truly impressed by the faculty, from, and the purpose. There's a large enclosed rink used mostly for skating, but is multi-use including basketball and concerts. A rock wall, restaurant and arcade as well. This is a cool community center.

Such a nice center, sports, and roller skating, a concession stand, and friendly staff!

The security guard and employees were extremely kind. It's a great safe place for the kids in an underprivileged neighborhood to hang out and have fun. Super affordable. The music was hip/slapping/ whatever they say now. It felt good to see kids/ parents from diverse ethnicities and economic positions to have a great time together. This place is a blessing.

Fantastic experience at Change Center! The facility was great and absolutely our new favorite venue for some family fun. We hosted our daughters 6th bday party there and the staff was top notch with their hospitality and service. The cheese pizza was extraordinary, too! We can't wait to go back and are already suggesting repeat for the upcoming 10yo!

I have to agree with the comment below mine. This place is a free-for-all , People drop their children off and then don't watch them.. Small children that shouldn't be left by themselves . The skating ring is a hot mess . No one is watching to make sure that the rules are being followed And the rules are not being followed, 60 children on that skating ring, Some of them skating The opposite direction, which is very dangerous. Children that do not need skate mates Using them as weapons. I got knocked do

Love this skating rink!!! It's a little smaller than others BUT I felt so much safer leaving my teenage son here than I have at other rinks around. Food and beverages are also WAY better priced than the others!!! Plus the workers are so much nicer than the other rinks!! And the best thing of all, it's only $5!!! Take your kids, you won't be disappointed!!

We went to the Change Center for our Girl Scout Service Unit Cookie Rally. The girls had a blast skating and loved the pizza. They enjoyed it so much that two of them are already asking to have their birthday parties there! Thank you Change Center!

I've been skating here nearly every weekend because it's been too hot outside and each time, whether I am alone or with friends, the staff is consistently wonderful and attentive and so is the security guard. Excellent place for youth and family oriented. Also fresh hot pizza is delicious. Their music playlists are always fun. Thanks for letting me be a regular!

We went to the change center on a field trip for my 5th Grader, and they were fantastic! The staff were personable and great with the kids. Highly recommend for families and parties!

NOT A SAFE SPACE. Leadership is a joke. There is absolutely NO CROWD CONTROL. They cause the chaos with their intercom announcements. This is a warning ?? to all Christian parents with wholesome kids. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS BUSINESS. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN AND NO ONE WILL CARE NOR HELP. It's not worth it there are many other SAFE skating options in Knoxville that are actually Family Friendly this is NOT ONE OF THEM. #violence #chaos #fights #unsupervised #exclusion #abrasive

Showed up about 1930 on Saturday night and doors are locked, people are skating inside but security guard is so engrossed with football game they are ignoring us...

First time visitors and loved it! Me and my kids will be going back. The staff was charming, helpful, and very polite. I'd recommend the Chnage Center for anyone in the Knoxville area.

Went there for a birthday party and found out the hard way they apparently lock the doors an hour before they close. Will not be back.

This was a nice venue for a recent gathering of a couple dozen Moms Demand Action members. Google Maps has a quirk in navigating there (an unnecessary loop around the block), which is perhaps due to the bus stop across the street (also called Change Center) going on Google Maps first.

Worst experience ever with my niece. I brought my service animal to supervise her while she skated, and the employees demanded to know my exact disability. When I explained politely that I wasn't legally obliged to tell them my diagnosis to have my service animal, they kicked me out with my niece and wouldn't even give her money back. They were aggressive, rude, and traumatized my niece by calling the police to have us removed without even asking us to leave first. Now she is afraid of police instead of see

We have a blast. A very special thank you to the staff especially Ms. Maria for making my nephew birthday extra extra special!!! I appreciate it and we will be back!!!

Highly recommend this place we had our daughters 7th Birthday Party here today our 1st time ever going all staff were nice , helpful , respectful place was very clean ? we will definitely be going back very soon

I was amazingly surprised! Larger than expected, very fun and perfect for family.

Great place for young people to be active and have a great time.

Great place and friendly staff. Don't know if I just didn't see it on web site but don't bring your own skates. They have plenty you can use! Just add family for fun!

I love bring the kids but your birthday package are bad. You can't bring your own food. The amount of people for the price. I'm sorry but Skate Town have y'all beat on the parties.

My daughter's practice soccer here in the winter. Feel like I'm at Chick-fil-A when I walk in because the workers are smiling and happy to see us!

The Change Center is incredible! Their mission is inspiring and to be apart of it by skating their is worth all of your time. If you live or are visiting Knoxville you have got to stop by!

I love it here! The music is amazing. , very good place for birthday party's or get together.

I love the change center I love that we in East Knoxville have a place for our children to go reasonable prices, snack Station prices very reasonable security and metal detectors

Great facility and environmental for all ages!!

Safe place for teens! Only $5 to skate!

Great place, cheap price, staff was very nice. My kids loved it!

My kids and I absolutely loved the whole experience! Great music, great people, great times.

This is the best roller hockey rink I've played on in the country. Glass boards, tiled court with good grip. Staff is willing to help with your gear needs!

My grandson plays indoor soccer here. Great place!

Safe pla e. Lots to do. Children have fun. Minority owned. Event ready.

Great skating rink and small arcade. They have private rooms for birthday parties and food available on site.

1st time going an it was great atmosphere, just wished they would allow you to bring in our own skates

Smaller roller rink, reasonable prices, great experience and nice atmosphere. Younger staff with little to no customer service skills.

We had a great birthday here. Nice facility and staff!

They hosted for my leadership group and it was so cool and fun will go again!!!

Super clean. Nice games and skate rink. Friendly staff who work hard!

Can't skate on that floor. Long time skater & I fell couldn't grab on to anything because the wall is plastic.

The community is great. As well as skates, arcade games, and kids are great as well. It also looks AMAZING

Awesome ! 5.00 skates included .skating was fun . Very friendly , adults children. Safe

Really neat place! Only $5 to skate! Had a great time!

A wonderful place, providing a safe space for our young citizens!

Great people who run this place who have the communities best interests at heart.

Our daughter loved going skating and using the photo booth! We'll be back!

It was a good place good food good people and good games and activities

Love it absolutely the best spot for kids ??

Good for kids and teens to go and get off the streets

Love it great atmosphere, kid friendly

Their pizza is amazing and staff is always great

It was lit and them things to help you skate helped my sis a lot

Awesome place and even better Exec Director!

The staff was awesome! Everything was great!

Pure fun for an excellent price!

Love taking my daughter here.

Thank You for this location in East Knox County...

My kids love ot here!

Staffs are very nice try it out!

Great place to bring the family.

Great place to go skating

They gave away Free food and water

The food took to long and was cold need inprovment

Couldn't find the entrance

Great place for music and skating.

A fun place to meet with family

Fun place for families.

I have a question How much it's in Saturday's

They were never open

(Translated by Google) Very nice place and with security, the prices on Tuesdays are very cheap. $2 and very clean (Original) Muy lindo lugar y con seguridad ,el precio los d?as martes son muy econ?micos.$2 y muy limpio

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.”