Contributor: Vince ScalabrinoJuly 16, 202610:14 am

Barrel of Fun #05 storefront in Winter Haven, FL with store manager Rene Arrendondo posing in front

Barrel Of Fun 05 / Atari Expo 05: Winter Haven Mall

Winter Haven, Florida

Barrel of Fun #05 storefront in Winter Haven Mall, Winter Haven, FL with store manager Rene Arrendondo posing in front. Date unknown

Photo credit: David Bishop

Mall ArcadeClosedTokens

Winter Haven Mall # 120, Winter Haven, FL 33880-5177

Located within the former Winter Haven Mall, which opened in the early 1970s, this amusement space was a product of the classic American mall arcade era. After 10 years showcasing the original “Barrel of Fun” branding, the location was remodeled to become “Atari Expo” in 1988, after the entire arcade chain was acquired by Atari Games Corporation (late-1987). Like many similar venues of its time, it would have provided a vibrant social hub and entertainment destination for the community. The arcade ceased operations when the Winter Haven Mall declined in popularity in the late 1990s and was subsequently demolished in the early 2000s to make way for the redeveloped Citi Centre. Today, no physical trace of the venue remains.

Reference citations

  1. 6amcity.com 6amcity.com

Additional Photos

Barrel of Fun Winter Haven Mall employee, Dicky Adams in front of Stomper game
Photo credit: David Bishop
Barrel of Fun #05, Winter Haven Mall, Winter Haven, Florida storefront - 1987
Photo credit: David Bishop
Barrel of Fun #05, Winter Haven Mall, Winter Haven, Florida interior with customers playing games - 1987
Photo credit: David Bishop
Rear interior games and customers Barrel of Fun #05, Winter Haven Mall, Winter Haven, Florida 1987
Photo credit: David Bishop
Front interior games and customers Barrel of Fun #05, Winter Haven Mall, Winter Haven, Florida 1987
Photo credit: David Bishop
Shared Logo of Barrel Of Fun
Photo credit: Atlas Arcadia archive
Atari Expo logo
Photo credit: David Bishop's personal archives
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