Like most cities, 1980’s Montgomery was a hotbed of arcades and stand-up video games.
It was an age of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, Galaga and Space Invaders.
Then, came the Atari, and the Nintendo after that.
Suddenly, Montgomery arcades cleared out and the world of video gaming was transplanted into player’s living rooms.
But just because the The Gump’s arcade scene isn’t what it once was doesn’t mean it’s gone completely.
There are still a number of places around the city where you can pop in your tokens and play.
Montgomery Video Arcades
These are the arcades in and around Gump-Town:
Bowlero
1661 Eastern BlvdMontgomery, AL 36117
(334) 819-7171
Monday & Thursday: Noon – 11 pm
Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 am – 11 pm
Friday: 11 am – Midnight
Saturday: Noon-Midnight
Sunday: 2 pm – 11 pm
Games:
- Pac-Man (World’s Largest)
- Basketball
- Pinball
- Air Hockey
- Console
Vibe: Energetic/Hectic
Chuck E. Cheese
Eastdale Mall1116 E Eastdale Mall
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 281-9290
Monday-Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
Games:
- Kid-Friendly
- Skill Games
- Console Games
Vibe: Kids, Kids Everywhere/Hectic
Montgomery’s Arcades Out Of The Past
Ah, the ever pulsating heart of Montgomery’s gaming community – those dreamy days when arcades were not just about the games, but about the camaraderie and collective euphoria that permeated through every square foot of those glowing, bustling havens.
From the ever-popular Dance Dance Revolution dance-offs to the crowd around Street Fighter tournaments, the dedicated video arcade was the nucleus of Montgomery’s gamer culture.
Today, the gaming world is vastly different.
With the advent of home consoles and online multiplayer platforms, the need for arcade machines can sometimes feel obsolete, the blinking lights of a stand-up console a thing of the past.
But the echoes of laughter, the flickers reflecting off a sea of eager faces, and the symphony of electronic bleeps and bloops that once dominated The Gump’s arcade scene remain.
So, let’s raise a joystick to Montgomery’s past, to those shared moments and to the friendships that were forged in the glow of those colorful screens.
The city’s arcade scene may not be as bustling as it was in its prime, but the spirit of those times, the pure joy of gaming, still resonates – resonates in every token dropped, every button pressed, and every high score achieved.
Even as our joysticks have given way to VR controllers and our coin slots to in-app purchases, the legacy of Montgomery’s arcades remains a testament to the city’s gaming culture.
And while the neon lights might flicker a little dimmer now, the soul of Montgomery’s arcade scene continues to shine brightly, its heartbeat still echoing in every ‘Game Over’ and ‘Continue?’ screen that lights up across the city.
So, let’s keep that gamer spirit alive, Montgomery. We’ve got high scores to beat and new worlds to conquer.
Game Over?
Never!