All photos courtesy of Shawn Fagan
Castle Con, a tabletop gaming convention, will make its debut in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, across the weekend of January 24-26, 2025, at the Historic Chateau Theatre. The inaugural event offers a dynamic mix of board games ranging from family-friendly classics to epic role-playing adventures, making it an exciting experience for all ages and skill levels.
That’s a pretty unique premise. Sports Destination Management sat down with David Razidlo, owner of Game Haven and the visionary behind Castle Con, to learn more.
Sports Destination Management: What was the inspiration for starting Castle Con?
David Razidlo: Castle Con was inspired by the idea of bringing people together through the shared joy of tabletop gaming. During the pandemic, many families and friend groups rediscovered how fun and engaging board games, strategy games, and role-playing games could be—especially as a way to connect offline.
Seeing that resurgence, we realized there was a perfect opportunity to hold an event that celebrates that same sense of community and camaraderie in person. We wanted to create a space where everyone—newcomers and experts alike—could experience the energy of tabletop gaming in a historic venue like the Chateau Theatre.
SDM: Do you think people are discovering or rediscovering games and all the fun they can offer?
Razidlo: Absolutely. Tabletop games have been experiencing a renaissance for several years now, with people seeking more hands-on, interactive, and social pastimes. Games have evolved beyond the “classics” we grew up with, and there’s a huge range of creative, immersive experiences available. Whether someone has fond memories of playing Monopoly as a kid or is just now picking up a modern game like Catan, they’re finding that tabletop gaming is a delightful way to connect face-to-face.
SDM: This event seems like a great way for enthusiasts or even beginners to connect with like-minded people—do you think it will offer a way for people to find new friends, groups, etc.?
Razidlo: Definitely. One of the core purposes of Castle Con is to foster connections. Board games have a way of breaking down barriers: you don’t need to share a background, age, or interests to enjoy a game together. Our volunteers and organizers will be there to help people jump into games and meet new friends. We hope that people who attend Castle Con will leave not only with memories of great games but also with new connections and gaming groups they can continue with long after the convention.
SDM: Is there a demographic you are expecting in terms of age, gender, etc.?
Razidlo: We’re aiming to be inclusive to all ages, genders, and experience levels. Tabletop gaming really spans demographics—it’s not limited by age or background. Families with young kids, college students, seniors, and everyone in between can find something they’ll enjoy. Sunday is Family Day, and kids 13 and under can attend free all weekend, so we especially want families to know they’re welcome.
SDM: What are some of the games you are going to be offering?
Razidlo: We’ll offer a broad mix, with over 250 games on our Game Shelf:
- Modern Classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Telestrations
- Cooperative games like Codenames, Just One, and Pandemic
- Social deduction games like Blood on the Clocktower
- Role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, with short one-shot campaigns for those who want to try it out
- Newer indie or hobbyist board games that might not yet be on everyone’s radar
We want to ensure there’s something for everyone, from simple, family-friendly titles to more in-depth strategy and role-playing experiences.
SDM: Are the games you will be offering for beginners, advanced, intermediate, all levels?
Razidlo: All levels—no one should feel intimidated! We’ll have plenty of “gateway” games that are perfect for people who are brand-new or who just want to have fun without too many rules. At the same time, we’ll also have more elaborate strategy and RPG sessions for those who love diving deep. Our volunteers will be on hand to teach rules, suggest titles, and help everyone have a great time, regardless of their experience level.
SDM: Will people play as teams, as individuals, as families, etc.?
Razidlo: All of the above. Some games are team-based, some are free-for-alls, and some are cooperative. We encourage families or friend groups to play together, but it’s also a fantastic place to join up with brand-new people. We’ll have open seating and scheduled events, so you can sign up for specific games or just wander around and jump in wherever you see an open seat.
SDM: Will there be other activities offered? If so, what are they?
Razidlo: Yes! In addition to open-gaming tables and scheduled tournaments or learn-to-play sessions, there will be:
- Contests and giveaways
- Specialty food and drinks offered to make the convention atmosphere more festive
- A vendor area for local or regional game creators and sellers
- Demos of new and upcoming games
- Additional activities include painting miniatures, jigsaw puzzles, and more
SDM: We know this is a first-of-its-kind event, but are you hoping for future events?
Razidlo: Absolutely. This is the inaugural Castle Con, and we’re already dreaming about how to grow the event in the coming years. We hope to make Castle Con an annual gathering that brings folks back to downtown Rochester each winter—adding more space, games, workshops, and special guests as we expand.
SDM: What have we not asked that you would like to tell us?
Razidlo: We want to emphasize how unique the venue itself is. The Chateau Theatre is a piece of Rochester history and transforming it into a tabletop gaming hub for a weekend is something really special. It brings together community, entertainment, and local culture in one spot.
Also, we’d love people to know that kids 13 and under attend free all weekend, making it an affordable and fun family outing in the heart of winter. It’s truly an event for everyone—from complete beginners curious about tabletop gaming to experienced game enthusiasts looking to share their passion with others.
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