Indoor Entertainment Setup: 8 Questions Facility Owners Ask (Including That One About Flooring)

Setting up an indoor entertainment space? Here's what I've learned from 200+ rush orders for venues like yours.

In my role coordinating equipment delivery for indoor entertainment venues, I've handled everything from a last-minute pool table for a downtown bar to a full home theater setup for a client who'd mismeasured their room by 12 inches. (That one was stressful.)

If you're outfitting a game room, arcade, or home gym, you're probably searching for specifics on ice-games, ice t video games, or even how to play war card game while you figure out the big stuff. This FAQ cuts through the noise with answers to the questions that actually come up when you're buying commercial-grade equipment. I've based this on what our clients ask, not what a spec sheet tells you.

1. What's the first thing I should figure out when buying commercial arcade games or pool tables?

Your actual available space, and I mean measured, not estimated.

I've had clients call in a panic because their "room" was actually two feet narrower than they thought. You need to know the footprint of the equipment plus the clearance for players. A 7-foot pool table needs about 17 feet by 13 feet of room if you're using standard cues. Arcade games need breathing room for queuing—roughly 5 feet of clear path in front of each machine. Trust me on this one: measure twice, order once.

For home theaters, don't forget the depth of the seating and the throw distance of the projector. It's a whole other set of calculations.

2. Is ice t video games a good option for a commercial arcade, or is it just for home use?

Honestly, I'm not sure why some vendors categorize ice t video games as purely home-use. My best guess is they're thinking about the smaller, tabletop units. But in my experience, the commercial-grade versions of ice-t-themed arcade games—the ones with durable cabinets and coin-operated options—are built to handle daily use in a venue.

I've supplied them for family entertainment centers and even one bowling alley. The trick is to look for the commercial or "arcade edition" versions. If the listing says "home game," it's not for high-traffic use.

3. We're adding a home gym and a game room. Can we put the gym flooring in the game room too?

This is a great question, and it's one I've gone back and forth on with clients. The short answer is yes, but you need the right type of home gym flooring.

Standard home gym flooring (rubber mats or tiles) is excellent for a game room because it's durable, easy to clean, and absorbs sound. But here's the catch:

• If you're installing a pool table or ping pong table, the floor must be perfectly level. Thick rubber mats can be a problem if they aren't uniform. We've had to use shims under pool tables on gym flooring.
• For arcade games, it's usually fine, as long as the floor isn't too soft (like a thick foam mat). The machines need a stable base.

I'd recommend a 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch rubber tile (like those from a reputable supplier) for a mixed-use space. Avoid the 1-inch thick puzzle mats—they compress unevenly.

4. For a commercial venue, should I buy a pool table or ping pong table? How do I decide?

I went back and forth between these two for a new bar project. Pool tables offer higher per-game revenue and a longer dwell time (people stick around for drinks). Ping pong tables are lower maintenance and take up less room.

Ultimately, it depends on your clientele:

• Pool tables: better for a bar or lounge atmosphere. Expect higher margins per hour.
• Ping pong tables: better for high-energy, social venues (like a brewery or a game cafe). They're faster games, so table turnover is higher.
• Consider both: Some venues do well with a mix, but it takes careful layout planning.

5. I'm a beginner. How do I choose a couples card game or learn how to play war card game?

This is a common question from clients buying for home use or a small game room. For beginners, War is perfect because it's pure luck—no strategy, no learning curve. (It's also a great filler game between rounds of pool or arcade games.)

For couples card games, I'd point you to games like Love Letter or The Mind. They're simple to learn, quick to play, and don't rely on mean-spirited competition. I've found that the best game for a couple is one that doesn't take 45 minutes to set up. That's the kiss of death for a casual game session.

6. What about home theater systems? Are they worth it for a dedicated game room?

Depends on what you want. A good home theater system transforms the experience for movie nights or gaming, but it's a significant investment. If you're already buying a pool table and some arcade games, adding a full 5.1 or 7.1 surround system might push your budget.

I'd prioritize a good quality soundbar and a subwoofer if you're on a mid-range budget. It's a huge upgrade over TV speakers for far less cost than a full system. Save the full theater for a room that's specifically dark and you can control the lighting.

7. What's the biggest mistake you see first-time buyers make?

Not planning for delivery and installation. I've seen orders arrive at a venue that had no loading dock, a staircase too narrow for a pool table, or a door too small for an arcade cabinet.

Also, many underestimate the need for home gym flooring when the equipment arrives. It's not just for looks—it protects your actual floor from heavy weights and shock. We've seen a 300-pound arcade game on a standard laminate floor crack the tile after a few months.

My advice: Always consider the delivery path before you finalize the order. It saves a lot of stress. (And check the dimensions of the equipment, not just the box.)

8. How do I know if a supplier like ice-games is reliable for commercial equipment?

That's the million-dollar question. Look for:

• Clear warranty terms (12+ months for commercial use is standard).
• References or case studies from similar venues.
• A willingness to discuss delivery logistics, including rush orders if needed.
• A return policy that covers damage or incorrect items.

I've tested six different suppliers for rush delivery over the years. The ones that are good answer the phone and don't hedge on lead times. If they say 3-5 business days, they mean it. If they say "usually about a week," expect two.

I'd rather spend 10 minutes explaining these options than deal with mismatched expectations later. An informed customer is the best customer.