As of tomorrow, another Drag institution will pass into memory when Le Fun closes its doors for the last time. The long-time Austin arcade joins the list of youth-oriented businesses unable to capitalize on the 45,000 students teeming along Guadalupe. The abundance of online, console, and portable gaming options seems to have overwhelmed the need for pointless loitering and parent avoidence, spelling doom for arcades everywhere, especially in the increasingly unaffordable territory of West Campus.

But look on the bright side; Le Fun’s loss can be your gain, in oh so many ways. If you’re stuck on what to get the dork who has everything, you can bid on one of the 125 games available at Saturday’s auction. The posting in the San Antonio Express-News classifieds really says it all:

This will be the uniquest Xmas gift your family will enjoy for years. Sat. Dec 17th 10am Preview 8-10am Le Fun Gameroom 2200 Guadalupe Street

On a completely different level, this closure also bodes well for those who dream of someday ranting against psychiatry on national television prefer to read about aliens rather than frag them. According to the Daily Texan:

The Church of Scientology of Texas, which owns the building, will not re-lease the property, said Cathy Norman, director of special affairs. She said they plan to raise funds and eventually renovate the entire building for church use.

Say hello to the Drag of 2006; less Dance Dance Revolution, more Dianetics. And you thought things were strange when Les Amis was around …

[photo (c) Laura Skelding, originally published in the Austin Chronicle]