Ground Kontrol

Ground Kontrol
Ground Kontrol interior, pre-remodel
Restaurant information
Established 1999
Street address 511 NW Couch St
City Portland, Oregon
County Multnomah
State OR
Postal/ZIP Code 97209
Coordinates 45°31′26″N 122°40′33″W / 45.523804°N 122.675872°W / 45.523804; -122.675872
Website Ground Kontrol website

Ground Kontrol is a video game arcade and bar in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It is known for preserving games from the Golden Age of Video Arcade Games.[1] It also serves as a venue for DJs and live music.[2]

History

Since opening in 1999,[3] Ground Kontrol has undergone several changes. The arcade was originally created and opened by Betty Farrier, and Kneel Cohn of the bands Warshow Angels[4] and The Dead Stars on Hollywood.[5] In March 2003 it came under new ownership by Timewarp Incorporated. In September 2004, Ground Kontrol moved to a new location[6]

In December 2010, Ground Kontrol moved to a temporary location to accommodate a remodel. During renovation, a kitchen and new seating were added, the restrooms were moved, and the decor took on a Tron-esque vibe.[7] On December 11, 2011, Ground Kontrol announced that it was now a full-service bar.[8]

Events

  • In June 2004, a world record high score competition was held jointly at Ground Kontrol; Aftershock RetroGames Arcade in Madison, Wisconsin; and the Houston Area Arcade Group Expo in Houston, Texas. Twin Galaxies maintained the results of the competitions for world record consideration.[9][10]
  • Portland Pinbrawl, an annual pinball tournament, is held at Ground Kontrol.[11]
  • In 2010, Ground Kontrol was the winner of three arcades competing in Stride gum's "Save the Arcades 2" contest. The owners used the $25,000 prize to assist in funding a full remodeling of the arcade and to buy more games.[12]

Recognition

  • In July, 2010, Sunset Magazine included Ground Kontrol in the "Best of Portland: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions 2010" publication calling it the "Old Hot Spot" in Portland's Chinatown.[13]
  • The San Francisco Chronicle listed Ground Kontrol as one of "Five places to revisit the '80s".[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Insert Coins Here: The Best Video Game Spots In The U.S.". Complex Magazine. August–September 2005.
  2. ↑ Machado, Jessica (July 30, 2008). "Is it real ... or is it 'Rock Band'? Who cares?". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  3. ↑ Geigerich, Andy (March 10, 2000). "Captivated by retro games". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
  4. ↑ http://www.warshowangels.com/about.html
  5. ↑ Kryza, Ap (December 11, 2000). "Through different eyes". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
  6. ↑ Machado, Jessica (September 26, 2007). "Game On". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  7. ↑ Vorenburg, Sue. "Ground Kontrol to reboot after $200,000 face-lift". Daily Journal of Commerce. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  8. ↑ "Ground Kontrol blog". December 11, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Classic Video Gaming Championships Across America". spyhunter007.com. March 30, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  10. ↑ "Ground Kontrol: news coverage / interview on Fox 12". KPTV, a Meridith Corporation Station. June 4, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Portland Pinbrawl 2011". Crazy Flipper Fingers. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  12. ↑ "Save the Arcade's 2". Stride (gum). 2010-04-21. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
  13. ↑ "Best of Portland: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions 2010". Sunset Magazine. July 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  14. ↑ Kelley, Jennifer (2011-03-13). "Five places to revisit the '80s". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-03-30.

Coordinates: 45°31′26″N 122°40′32″W / 45.523897°N 122.675588°W / 45.523897; -122.675588

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