Game on! MSP Airport is first to open Portal Lounge

Air travelers and gamers have a new way to unite at Portal Lounge, a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment and social venue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Portal Lounge — located in Terminal 1 at the intersection of Concourses C and D, and a short walk from the Concourse C tram — provides guests a full-scale work, rest and play destination that offers elevated food, bar and gaming experiences.

“Our passengers have been asking for more unique and elevated experiences, and we’re excited to be the first airport to bring this new lounge concept to life here at MSP,” said Isabella Rhawie, vice president and commercial revenue officer for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “Beyond typical and standard, this airport lounge stands out in its experiential offerings that are sure to create a welcomed energy for a broad mix of our travelers.”

Portal Lounge builds on the success of Gameway lounges, currently operating across multiple airports in the country. Founders Jordan and Emma Walbridge intentionally designed this concept to feel more like a social destination than a traditional airport lounge, combining premium food and beverage offerings with immersive entertainment experiences. The space offers signature menu items and a bar program with a star attraction — a robotic bartender that works in tandem with expert staff to create signature drinks exclusively for lounge guests.

The 3,800 square foot space includes 600 square feet for gamers, featuring 17 dedicated stations with a mix of Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and custom-built gaming PCs. Guests can access more than 25 of today’s most popular titles across casual, competitive, multiplayer and streaming-friendly gameplay.

“Our mission has always been to make airports entertaining, and Portal Lounge is the fullest expression of that yet,” said Emma Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “This is what happens when you design a lounge for the next generation of travelers. The Metropolitan Airports Commission saw that future early and had the boldness to help bring it to market.”

“The airport lounge category has remained relatively unchanged for years, while traveler expectations have evolved dramatically,” said Jordan Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “Portal Lounge was built around the idea that modern travelers are looking for experiences and destinations, even within the airport.”

Travelers will be drawn to the space from afar with its custom portal-style entrance. Inside, its art deco-inspired design features lighting, artwork, music and custom furniture that boldly counters usual airport dwell time experiences.

Portal Lounge is open to all travelers with walk-in access for approximately $70, if seating is available. Guests can also access the lounge through Priority Pass and participating credit card programs including Chase, American Express and Capital One.