funplex closes houston auction

Houston’s FunPlex Closes After 40 Years, Iconic Rides and Games Headed to Auction

Last Updated: September 10, 2025By

Houston’s legendary FunPlex, a beloved indoor amusement center in Alief that entertained Houstonians for nearly 40 years, is about to bid its final farewell—with all its iconic rides and attractions set for public auction.

Originally opened as Fame City in the 1980s, the sprawling 200,000-square-foot venue was a touchstone for family outings, reunions, after-school trips, and even celebrity moments—most notably, Beyoncé used its roller skating rink for the “Blow” music video and an after-party during her “On the Run” tour.

After quietly changing hands and initially announcing its closure for renovation in late 2024, plans to reopen fell through, leaving the Alief community and FunPlex loyalists grappling with the loss of a true “third space.”

For decades, FunPlex was more than a place for traditional fun; it was a gathering spot for high school reunions, birthday parties, and formative first jobs, serving as a safe haven and a big part of the social fabric for families across Houston.

Now, developer Brett Miles has acquired the property, and with no plans for its future, everything inside—from its forty-lane Brunswick bowling alley (installed in 2023) to the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, VR simulators, arcade games, sports bar equipment, and more—is slated for auction. The sale, managed by AMCbid, spans two days: September 24 for major amusements and September 25 for furniture, decor, food service, and AV tech. Prospective buyers can preview items by appointment on September 22–23 at 13700 Beechnut Street.

This auction offers not just commercial-grade amusements but literal pieces of Houston history—touchstones for anyone who ever bowled a frame, played air hockey, or made a memory under FunPlex’s neon lights.

Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas encapsulates the mood, remembering her own high school reunion held at the venue and observing how “third spaces” like FunPlex foster a sense of belonging and community that’s increasingly rare in a changing city. As bidders prepare to take home fragments of FunPlex’s magic, Houston notes the bittersweet passage of an era, with many hoping future developers honor the legacy of a place that shaped generations.

Auction Details

  • Day 1 Bidding Closes: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT
  • Day 2 Bidding Closes: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT
  • Preview (by appointment only): Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 22–23, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT

Bidding is open now for this two-day online auction. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Houston FunPlex history.

To view the full catalog, register and bid, visit www.amcbid.com/auctions/detail/bw145133.

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