Sandy Hook Arcade Closing at End of August

Six months after opening, the arcade dedicated to giving Newtown kids free video games announced it would close at the end of August.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we are announcing the closing of the SHAC [Sandy Hook Arcade Center] on Saturday, August 31," its owners wrote on Facebook Wednesday. "What an amazing experience it has been for us to meet you all. Thank you for playing the games, volunteering your time, making generous donations and having fun with us. Your smiles, laughter and gracious words meant the world to us."

Last week co-owner Andy Clure told Patch the arcade had planned on closing in the spring, but would try to stay open until December.

"We were going to close in April," said Clure. "But we had such a great success -- not monetary success, but people having fun and playing, kids and parents hanging out together.

Though fans were sad, they expressed gratitude for what Sandy Hook Arcade Center brought them.

"thanks guys for your unbelievable commitment and passion to this," wrote one commenter. "You wanted our community to heal and you put your hearts into it. Thank you for all you did to bring smiles to our kids when they needed it the most."

The arcade will be open on Friday and Sunday of this weekend, and encourages Newtown residents to continue playing for free through August. Hours are irregular; owners say they will post open hours on Facebook in advance.