Ground Kontrol is a video game/pinball 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]
| Ground Kontrol | |
|---|---|
 Ground Kontrol interior, pre-remodel | |
 | |
  Location within Portland, Oregon | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1999 |
| Street address | 115 NW 5th Ave |
| 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 |
| Website | Ground Kontrol website |
History edit
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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 the new ownership of 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]
In April 2017, Ground Kontrol expanded into the former location of Backspace, renovating it to include a new bar area, several video screens and a connecting hallway. The newer expanded area was built with a WarGames-esque vibe. A further renovation of the entrance on NW Couch St. was completed in June 2018.[9]
Events edit
- 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.[10][11]
- Portland Pinbrawl, an annual pinball tournament, is held at Ground Kontrol.[12]
- 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.[13]
Recognition edit
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.[14] The San Francisco Chronicle listed Ground Kontrol as one of "Five places to revisit the '80s".[15] Ground Control won in the "Best Game Bar" category of Willamette Week's "Best of Portland Readers' Poll 2020".[16]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Insert Coins Here: The Best Video Game Spots In The U.S.". Complex Magazine. August–September 2005.
- ^ Machado, Jessica (July 30, 2008). "Is it real ... or is it 'Rock Band'? Who cares?". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
- ^ Geigerich, Andy (March 10, 2000). "Captivated by retro games". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
- ^ "Warshow Angels | About the Warshow Angels, Band Bio".
- ^ Kryza, Ap (December 11, 2000). "Through different eyes". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
- ^ Machado, Jessica (September 26, 2007). "Game On". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
- ^ Vorenburg, Sue (17 February 2011). "Ground Kontrol to reboot after $200,000 face-lift". Daily Journal of Commerce. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Ground Kontrol blog". December 11, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
- ^ Snow, Dylan (2018-06-05). "Expansion Complete!". Ground Kontrol. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
- ^ "Classic Video Gaming Championships Across America". spyhunter007.com. March 30, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
- ^ "Ground Kontrol: news coverage / interview on Fox 12". KPTV, a Meridith Corporation Station. June 4, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
- ^ "Portland Pinbrawl 2011". Crazy Flipper Fingers. Archived from the original on 2011-04-02. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Save the Arcade's 2". Stride (gum). 2010-04-21. Archived from the original on 2010-04-28. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
- ^ "Best of Portland: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions 2010". Sunset Magazine. July 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
- ^ Kelley, Jennifer (2011-03-13). "Five places to revisit the '80s". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Bars + Nightlife: Congratulations to the winners + finalists of Best of Portland Readers' Poll 2020". Willamette Week. July 21, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
External links edit
