A Transformative Year at the Balboa Fun Zone Arcade & Newport Beach Captain’s Club

This past year marked a major step forward for HallPass Media as we continued revitalizing two of Newport Beach’s most iconic spaces: the Balboa Fun Zone Arcade & the newly launched Captain’s Club. Together, these projects reflect our commitment to preserving the local history while bringing elevated experiences to Newport Beach.

In March 2024, President of HallPass Media, Albert Hall, unveiled the fully remodeled Balboa Fun Zone Arcade. What had been a beloved piece of Newport history for decades was thoughtfully refreshed, modernized without losing the nostalgic charm that generations of families grew up with. From improved layout and lighting to a cleaner, more welcoming atmosphere, the arcade has once again become a vibrant centerpiece of the Fun Zone. 

Building on that momentum, we launched the Captain’s Club in April 2025, an event space located steps away from the water. Just like the arcade, the Captain’s Club was designed to honor the heart of the Fun Zone while elevating what the space can offer. Albert brought a careful balance of preserving its original character while integrating new technology, custom graphics, and flexible design to support events of all kinds.

Even in its first year, the Captain’s Club has hosted more than 30 events, welcoming everything from birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and holiday celebrations to team banquets, high school dances, field trips, baby showers, and community events. Every event reminds us why this project means so much, and transforming these spaces has been a true labor of love.

As we head into 2026, our goal remains the same: create spaces that make the locals light up, give visitors a reason to return, and inspire new memories while preserving the ones that made the Fun Zone iconic.

Here’s to an unforgettable year, and to all the exciting moments still ahead on the Balboa waterfront.