Gateway Games is my LGS and the armory that I get to most weeks. If you follow A FAB Journey you might have already read about my first experience down there.
Gateway Games is located in Bethlehem which is technically on the western side of the Tauranga but is the northern approach to the city. Yes Tauranga is a geographically confusing place but we aren’t here to review the town planning (or lack of it). All you need to know is that it’s not in Tauranga town centre so if you’re visiting you will need a car to get to the store, it’s not going to be walking distance.
Access and parking are really easy as Gateway Games is in an outdoor shopping centre. Normally I can park right outside the door. This also means it’s opposite fish & chips, noodles, sushi, Dominos and Tank. Grabbing a bite to eat on the way in easy and you are allowed to take food into the store but food rubbish is to be gotten rid of outside.
You’re now fed but maybe not watered but don’t worry there’s a fridge of drinks available in store.
The community here is very welcoming and will hold the hand of a new player as they take their first wobbly steps on their FAB journey. I would classify the play as Friendly Competitive, the reason being that people are normally happy for you to take a card back if you’ve mistakenly played it. However people are trying and do want to win, they aren’t here just to play the game and chat. I normally go 1 win and 2 or 3 losses depending on how many rounds we have.
You’re not going to be rubbing shoulders with Calling top 8s or nationals champions but you are going to get a good standard play with friendly people.
Meeting a new group of people is daunting for many of us Roydon and ET are friendly faces to help welcome you into fold.
Gateway Games
Shop G9
Bethlehem Town Center,
19 Bethlehem road
Bethlehem
Tauranga 3110
When is the armory? Friday 6:30pm
What format? CC
How much and prizes? $6 and everyone gets a booster. GEM packs depend on number of players
Is food allowed and/or available? Allowed but not sold. Sushi, Pizza and other outlets in the shopping centre
Does the LGS sell drinks? Yes there’s a drinks fridge
What parking is there? Plenty of parking just outside the door as it’s in a shopping centre
How many people turn up? Up to 12
What’s the game culture? Friendly Competitive
Are there casual games before/afterwards? Normally there’s people hanging out from about 6 but normally not games
