(This is the first of a series of informational articles about the Adventurers League program stores in the Colorado Springs, Colorado area).
Gamer’s Haven is a game store in Colorado Springs, CO, and a proud participant in the D&D Adventurers League program.
Gamer’s Haven is located at 5730 North Academy Blvd, in the Berkkshire Centre. From the street, the store itself is almost blocked by the Boot Barn store.
Gamer’s Haven is open during the following hours:
Monday – Tuesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday – Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Telephone: 719-531-9863
The Dungeons & Dragons-specific merchandise is located to the right of the doorway as you enter the store, on the right-hand side (against the frontage window space), near the other RPG games and the Pathfinder materials.
Both Expeditions and Encounters are run on Wednesday nights beginning at 5.30 PM, in the “back room” – a large warehouse space with almost as much square footage as the front retail space. It is covered with tables of varying sizes as Gamer’s Haven provides space for many different types of games, from board game nights to various miniatures battles to RPG gaming (A full list of their gaming schedule may be found on their website).
Currently, the AL sessions co-ordination is handled by Lenny Logan. Lenny has been involved with organized play almost as long as D&D has had organized play, and has written play materials for the RPGA. Gamer’s Haven generally has two or three tables on Wednesday nights, although there is enough space that they can expand as needed. Usually, there is a table running for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 play.
According to Lenny, between the “regular” players and new players who are interested, they never lack for enough players. “Now, sometimes we run short of experienced DMs. We can always use more!”
There are no fees associated with play. There used to be vending machines for sodas and snacks, but the store took them out so they could fit more play space. Fortunately, there is a convenience store, an Arby’s and Taco Bell restaurants, and both Chinese and Indian restaurants within a block’s distance for quick supply.
Although Gamer’s Haven stocks a comprehensive range of D&D and general fantasy RPG materials, owner Rob Coach is not too concerned as to whether or not Adventurers League players buy their D&D materials from the store. “We provide the space for this, and other games because we recognize that some of this stuff is expensive.” Rob is a great believer in the “try before you buy” philosophy; at the end of the day its about having happy customers.