Urban Honking

Thursday, February 17

6:00pm 3.0 @ Ground Kontrol

Ground Kontrol unveils “3.0” upgrade

PORTLAND, OREGON – 2/28/11 – Portland is home to the West Coast’s most prominent classic arcade, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade. On February 17th, Ground Kontrol is unveiling its newly remodeled space lovingly dubbed “Ground Kontrol 3.0”. Ground Kontrol was established in 1999 as a classic arcade stocked with the most popular video games and pinball machines from several generations. Recently, Ground Kontrol’s location at 511 NW Couch St. has been off limits to the public while undergoing a full remodel. Much anticipation has been building for the unveiling of GROUND KONTROL 3.0, the most significant change for the arcade since beer & wine service began in 2005.

Ground Kontrol’s dedicated upkeep of vintage games and modern approach to the iconic 1980’s game room has earned the arcade a loyal fan base in Portland and beyond. This was recently proven by the results of the second annual 2010 “Save the Arcades” contest presented by Stride Gum. Ground Kontrol was the winner of the nationwide contest, created to raise awareness of American arcades and award a $25,000 cash prize to the arcade whose fans could earn the most points in the online game Cowbots 2010.

Ground Kontrol used the prize money to bring a load of newly renovated games to the arcade floor and boost the already unique and classic atmosphere of the arcade and lounge. Designers Jessica Helgerson and Emily Knudsen of Jessica Helgerson Interior Design designed the new look and feel of Ground Kontrol, inspired by vintage video game artwork and the TRON films, and Brad Lackey of Lackey Construction oversaw the construction. Among the numerous enhancements to the arcade will be a comfortable new seating area, food service, brand-new bathrooms, more games, an eye-catching DJ booth, and soon to come: expansion of the bar to full liquor service.

About Ground Kontrol

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade celebrates and preserves arcade gaming’s “golden age” by operating over 100 of the best video games and pinball machines from the ‘70s through today. Nighttime entertainment includes a beer and wine bar, food, DJs, and Rock Band. Ground Kontrol also refurbishes and sells vintage home videogame systems such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, and Atari 2600.