Rolling a D10: Empire Board Game Library celebrates a decade with weekend-long convention

Ten years ago, Rory Veronda opened Empire Board Game Library as a space to get away from the demands of life while enjoying a board game and conversation with a loved one.

After the Albuquerque Rapid Transit swept through Nob Hill, Veronda was fearful Empire Board Game Library would be swept away into nothing, but something different happened. Instead of losing the business, Veronda watched as people climbed over cinder block and dirt sidewalks to spend some time playing board games.

Now, Veronda and Empire Board Game Library are celebrating a decade in business with Empire-Con, a weekend-long event from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25.

“We have built up an amazing board gaming community here that is very loyal to the store now, and every day of the week has its own crowd,” Veronda said. “It feels so strange to be at 10 years because so much has happened that it’s put me in a time warp, so it’s amazing that this concept has really gotten through to people.”

After the pandemic, Empire Board Game Library saw a major boost in players, especially in 2023. Veronda said that guests continue to fill the store, and he believes after the pandemic, people were ready to enjoy activities away from the internet while reconnecting with the people and places they loved.

For $60, attendees can enjoy a three-day pass that covers all game time through the weekend. The pass will also include VIP parking sponsored by Nob Hill Main Street, a gift bag that includes vouchers from local Nob Hill businesses — like gift cards from Stone Age Climbing Gym and M’tucci’s.

For board game fans with a passion for tournaments, Empire will host three during the event: Heat Pedal to the Metal, Terraforming Mars and Wingspan. Each tournament will take two to four hours and entry fees will go toward prizes.

Attendees can also purchase a $10 one-day pass, allowing them to play games from open to close for no additional cost.

“This is really a thank you to our regular customers, and it’s a really fun concept that, if it works, we may end up trying to keep doing for our anniversary moving forward,” Veronda said.

Rolling a D10: Empire Board Game Library celebrates a decade with weekend-long convention