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
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.
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