Ground Kontrol

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
Established1999
Street address115 NW 5th Ave
CityPortland, Oregon
CountyMultnomah
StateOR
Postal/ZIP Code97209
Coordinates45.523804°N 122.675872°W / 45.523804; -122.675872
WebsiteGround Kontrol website

History
Arcade entrance on NW Couch St.

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
  • 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

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

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. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. 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. Snow, Dylan (2018-06-05). "Expansion Complete!". Ground Kontrol. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  10. "Classic Video Gaming Championships Across America". spyhunter007.com. March 30, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  11. "Ground Kontrol: news coverage / interview on Fox 12". KPTV, a Meridith Corporation Station. June 4, 2006. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
  12. "Portland Pinbrawl 2011". Crazy Flipper Fingers. Archived from the original on 2011-04-02. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  13. "Save the Arcade's 2". Stride (gum). 2010-04-21. Archived from the original on 2010-04-28. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
  14. "Best of Portland: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions 2010". Sunset Magazine. July 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  15. Kelley, Jennifer (2011-03-13). "Five places to revisit the '80s". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  16. "Bars + Nightlife: Congratulations to the winners + finalists of Best of Portland Readers' Poll 2020". Willamette Week. July 21, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.

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