Imagine this challenge: convert a train ticketing hall with 40-foot-high ceilings into one of those dark digital game arcades from way back when. Or convert the same space into dark glittery discos from that same era.
Well, it wasn’t quite as dark or as glittery as in the ’70s and ’80s, but the Retrocade Experience at Union Station in 2018 was fun and free for two days. A disco ball, right, was hanging up high to remind people that this was supposed to be a disco. The music from that era was loud and the players focused on the games including some that were warming up for a Pac-Man contest.
I’m not going to explain any more; just show you some photos.
The very first to enter got their pick of the 40 or so retro arcade games lined up around the Ticketing Hall at Union Station Los Angeles. Within 5 minutes after this photo was taken every arcade game had a player.
It cost $5 to enter the Pac Man contest which was conducted in the evening. During the day anyone could play and I bet that some ambitious gamers warmed up during the day for free.
The shirt says it all!
Michael Jackson was really the archetype for the ’80s. His arcade game was tucked way back in a distant corner. But notice the strip lighting!
An arcade game built for 2. Both Moms and Dads brought their children to this event. These two were just “CRUIS’N” according to the license plate.
The one thing all players had in common was a focus on whatever games they were playing. The Union Station building would have had to collapse around them before their eyes moved from their games. They were having fun!
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