INDIANAPOLIS — Tens of thousands of tabletop gamers are coming to Indianapolis for the Gen Con convention this weekend. Local hobby stores are ready for them to spend money outside of the convention center.

Elf 'N Moon Gaming & Hobby in Fountain Square will remain open for 24 hours straight from now until the end of Gen Con. The store opened last year before Gen Con, and owner Scott Woolridge said the convention effect blew away his expectations.

'We had people from England, people from Korea, people from so many places I almost lost track," Woolridge said. "There were people from nations I've never even heard of before. These people flew in just for Gen Con, and it was fun to meet them."

Gen Con has come to the Indiana Convention Center every year since 2003. More than 70,000 people attended last year's Gen Con, and the convention is already sold out this year.

Nathan Schroeder visited Indianapolis from Kansas on Monday and made Elf 'N Moon one of his first stops in town.
"Local game stores are so important for community building," Schroeder said. "There are some games that you might be able to play online, but you don't really get the same feeling compared to coming into the local store and making friends."

Woolridge hopes Gen Con attendees and those who did not get a ticket can play together at his store.
"This is a good opportunity to come in and escape reality for a little while," Woolridge said.
-
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal enters state senate race
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal has announced he is seeking the Indiana Senate District 31 seat -- representing parts of Hamilton, Hancock, and Marion counties.
IU Health launches choir program to help patients with Parkinson's Disease
IU Health is piloting a new program designed to help patients with Parkinson's. The Parkinson's choir helps strengthen their voices.
'Awaken Christmas Outreach' helps hundreds of families get fresh groceries
A partnership with the Dream Center Indianapolis and the Indiana Department of Child Services made sure hundreds of Hoosier families had fresh groceries on Tuesday.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun reflects on first year, outlines priorities for 2026
Indiana Governor Mike Braun is wrapping up his first year in office. WRTV sat down with him to discuss what his administration accomplished in 2025 — and his priorities for the year ahead.