Capital City Arcade
457 E. Columbia St V3L 3X6 New Westminster, BC, Canada

Spring Break is almost over but there is still time to get in some classic games! Book your private household rental for this weekend. Two hours of unlimited games is only $200! www.capcityarcade.com

This week marks a year since everything closed. As I said in our stories, it feels like the longest and the shortest year all at once. We opened this arcade with our own games and our own money. We are a literal "mom and pop" business. Pre-pandemic, you would find our kiddo there too. So thanks to all that supported us before the pandemic and all those that supported us through this crazy year. It's kept the games on and directly supported our family and two dedicated employ...ees. We have so many fun plans that are waiting for a return to normal. We still have a ways to go but we can't wait to share them.

Happy Mar10 Day! We are big fans of Mario and his friends. Here's a throwback to our kiddo in his Halloween costume a couple of years ago, playing Mario Bros. We also have other Mario favourites in the arcade like Donkey Kong and Dr. Mario. Our kiddo's favourite Mario game is Super Mario 3D World (cat suit FTW!).... What's your favourite Mario game?

On International Women's Day, let's talk about Centipede, the first coin-op based arcade machine to have a significant female player base. This game was also co programmed by Dona Bailey, the only woman in Atari's coin op division. She is also credited for choosing the unusual pastel pallet of colours for this game. Centipede became Atari's second best selling coin-op game. As many of you know our arcade is co-owned by Maryanne and she is the person who bought our first arcad...e game, Centipede, in 1994. This kickstarted our arcade collecting and restoring hobby and eventually led us to opening this arcade. In 2013, we bought a converted centipede caberet, eventually restored it (Maryanne's restoration of the marquee is in the pictures) and transfered the monitor, the PCB and the wiring harness from that original Centipede to this smaller cabinet that you see at the arcade today.

Google reminded me that it has been one year since we had our last "normal" weekend. Not only was it the busiest weekend we ever had at the arcade, personally it was pretty great too. On the Friday night, we left the arcade in the hands of our employees for the first time on a weekend as we were gifted Canucks tickets. A super rare date night! On the Saturday night, I presented at the sold out New West Pecha Kucha about how we got into arcade machine collecting. It was an ex...hilarating weekend filled with fun and so many people. After the following weekend, we closed our doors and stayed home for 4 months. Thanks to everyone who has supported us through this crazy year. We are still doing private household only rentals to keep our customers, our employees and our family safe while we ride out what we hope is the last of this pandemic. Our best advertising has always been word of mouth. Tell your coworkers, your friends and family about us! If you have the opportunity to leave us a review on Google or Facebook, please do. It will help us kickass as we come out of these health orders. We have so many fun plans that are waiting for a return to normal! Stay safe friends!

Snowflakes in the windows and snowflakes failing from the sky. Safe driving to those that have reservations this weekend!

We are officially rezoned! In 2015, we discussed the idea of opening an arcade. As we approached 50 machines, our hobby was taking over our house. In early 2016 , we approached the City of New Westminster about the prospect of opening an arcade in the city. They were receptive and we were told it would take "a few months" to update some antiquated bylaws. ... We had no idea that we were embarking on the most unbelievable rollercoaster of an adventure that would take almost 5 years to the day to complete. Of course, every good story needs an epilogue. Just because the city supports our liquor license, doesn't mean we are done quite yet. We still have work with the LCRB to get this completed. And of course, everyone is still surviving through COVID and its restrictions. We are just so happy to know that our future interactions with the city won't be about our rezoning anymore (and we are sure they are too!).

Private rentals are filling up for this Family Day holiday weekend! We added a late night session on Valentine's Day and an early session Saturday. Tell your family it's on like Donkey Kong! Book online at www.capcityarcade.com... Contact us if you have any questions. See more

Make your Family Day weekend a memorable one! Rent the whole arcade for just your household. 2 hour private rentals are only $200! Unlimited gameplay on all 70 classic machines included! Book online today. www.capcityarcade.com... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #familyday #retroarcade

A cake smash at the arcade! Oh my goodness! We are so glad we can make your household's milestones memorable even during these crazy times! What do you want to celebrate with your household?... Photo courtesy of More Than Your Average Mom Photographer Kaylyn Barr Photography

Looking for a fun night out with the family? Live out every 80's kid's dream! A whole arcade to yourself! Household rentals include 4 hours of unlimited games. Outside food allowed. Visit www.capcityarcade.com for details!

The winner is Corey McDaniel (siskavardy)! GIVEAWAY! We want to say thanks to everyone who has supported us through this crazy year. Fingers crossed for a 2021 with more classic arcade gaming (and hopefully a liquor license!).... You can win a classic arcade prize pack that includes: A "Got Asteroids?" T-shirt A Galaga Plush with sounds A Space Invaders notebook Pac Man coasters A Frogger Funko Pop A Capital City Arcade Logo mask 3 Capital City Arcade Logo magnets 3 Capital City Arcade Logo stickers How to Enter: 1. Follow @capcityarcade 2. Like this Post. 3. Tag a friend you want to challange at the arcade once we are allowed to socialize again! (Unlimited entries. Must be real people you know.) Bonus entries: Comment with your favourite classic arcade game. (One entry) Share to your stories and tag us so we can see it! (One entry) You must complete the first three steps to be entered! Contest closes December 30. We will announce a winner on December 31. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. No purchase necessary. Prize pack must be picked up at our New Westminster arcade. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook or Instagram. The winners will only be announced here (don't fall for any scammer accounts).

Make some Christmas memories! Rent a whole arcade for your just your household for an entire evening! Includes private rental of the whole arcade for 4 hours for up to 6 household members. Unlimited play on over 70 games included. Outside food allowed in designated area. All games and surfaces sanitized between rentals. Masks required. Limited spaces available. See www.capcityarcade.com for additional information and availability.

We're changing things up! This is the last weekend for this year we will be having single tickets available. Starting next week, the arcade will be household rentals only until the current socialization restrictions are lifted. Come in and enjoy some festive gaming! ... We have tickets available: Friday 6pm and 9pm Saturday 3pm, 6pm and 9pm Sunday noon, 3pm and 6pm

New merch now available! Got Asteroids? shirt $20 Sizes S - 3XL... Logo magnets $2 Logo Stickers $1 Logo face masks $10 Limited sizes of our older shirts available as well. Contact us to arrange a time for purchase and pickup!

Atari's Super Sprint (1986) is now available at the arcade! Race Formula-One type cars! Win money and use it to upgrade your car for the next race! Weekend tickets are temporarily limited to 10 people per session. Social distancing between households required. Masks must be worn appropriately at all times while in the arcade.

One more step closer...

Now is the time to book the arcade for just your household! $200 will get you unlimited play on 70 games for two hours all to yourself! Due to the new health order, we have reduced the number of people per session to 10 people for this weekend and next weekend If you want the whole arcade to yourself, buy all 10 tickets for any weekend session. ... All COVID protocols in effect. Appropriate mask wearing is mandatory while in the arcade. All buttons, joysticks and surfaces are sanitized between sessions.

We are still open. Since our reopening, our COVID plan has included mandatory mask wearing and social distancing between people of different households. And, as always, every surface, button and joystick is sanitized between each session. This complies with this weekend's new Health Orders. Out of abundance of caution and to do our part to reduce possible transmission, we will be voluntarily reducing our occupancy to 10 people per session for the next two weeks to help increa...se social distancing at the arcade. For those of you who have private bookings, we will be contacting you. If you have any questions, please contact us. This will be a tough two weeks for all businesses. Stay safe. Please do your part and follow the new health orders. Keep your socialization within your household. This will help keep small businesses like ours open.

Small Business Saturday! It's a crazy time to be a small business owner. It's an even crazier time to own an arcade. Just when we think we have things figured out (hello February and October ), we get another curve ball. This arcade adventure has been nothing if not challenging so we are ready to change things up again. We have a bunch of new swag coming soon, we have a new Christmas contest to roll out and we'll be introducing new ways you and your household can have some... safe fun at the arcade starting December 1st. And because this pandemic effects everyone in different ways, you can always support us for free from the comfort of your home by telling your friends about us, liking, commenting or sharing our posts or by writing a review on Google, Facebook or other review sites. Do this for all your favourite small businesses. These things will help us all recover faster on the other side.

WE HAVE OUR OWN POKEMON GO GYM! Through their Local Business Recovery Initiative, Niantic offered 1000 business worldwide free in-game promotion for one year. Our arcade was picked out of tens of thousands of nominations! Not only does it promote our arcade but we will have the opportunity to provide promotions to players. ... Do you play Pokemon Go? Which team are you on?

Fewer people, lots of space. Each session is limited to 20 people. With 70 classic arcade games available, there is lots of room to have fun and social distance. Masks are always mandatory. $20 single tickets available each weekend. $200 private bookings available each week. Buy your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com... December dates posted soon.

THIS WEEKEND: Sessions have been reduced to 10 tickets to allow for increased social distancing. Masks have always been required. Please keep your socializing at the arcade to household members only. NEXT WEEK: Watch for new household bubble only private bookings!

Early morning light. You've got that extra hour to fill. Work off that sugar crash by playing arcade games. Tickets available for this evening. www.capcityarcade.com

Stern may be best known as one of the surviving pinball manufacturers from the last century, but did you know that they made video arcade machines before they switched to pinball? Known then as Stern Electronics, they made arcade games from 1980-1984. We have two Stern Electronics games at our arcade. Bagman (1982) where you play a robber stealing money from a mine and Tutankham (1982) where you are an explorer grave robbing Tutankhamun's tomb. Grab your ticket online and p...lay these unique games today! www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #stern #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

Even Jason says "Wear a Mask"!

One of the most addictive games in our arcade is Fire Escape by Mech-tronic Games! A skill based game where you move a silver ball quickly down a ladder or flip it into targets for bonus points. Fire Escape is one of 70 games included with your admission. Tickets available for this weekend. www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #fireescape #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestminster

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Racing games, fighting games, puzzle games, side scrollers, shmups, sports games and more. With over 70 games included with your admission, there is something for everyone. Buy your tickets online for this weekend. www.capcityarcade.com And don't forget to vote! #bcelection

Get out of the rain this weekend and into the arcade! $20 gets you unlimited play on 70+ classic arcade machines for two hours. Sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Private rentals also available. Buy your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com ... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestminster

Take a break and forget about everything else. Two hours of play on all 70+ games is only $20. Sessions are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Buy your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com

Booking now for Halloween! We have two options for October fun! Individual tickets available for Friday - Sunday sessions including Halloween night! Two hours of unlimited play on all games for $20. Each session is limited to 20 people.... Or book the arcade for just your group! Two hour private bookings available weekdays in October. Private sessions start at $200 for up to 10 people. Additional people $20 (max 20). Unlimited play on all games included! Contact us for additional information and times. Book both options online. www.capcityarcade.com Masks required. All COVID protocols in effect. #capcityarcade #classicarcade #halloween #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestobsessed #newwestminster #newwestisbest #shopnewwest #metrovancouver #vancouver #yvr #viawesome #georgiastraight #vancitybuzz #dailyhivevan

Still looking for something different to do on Halloween? We still have a few tickets for 2 hour sessions on the 30th and 31st available. Each session is limited to 20 people. Costumes encouraged! Want to keep within your bubble? We have 2 hour private weekday bookings for up to 10 people for only $200. Don't see a time available that you would like? Message us! Tickets and private bookings available at our website. Play on all 70+ games included. www.capcityarcade.com... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #halloween2020 #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestminster

We see you peaking through the windows! Buy your tickets online and come inside to play! Tickets available Sunday for our noon, 3pm and 6pm sessions. $20 for 2 hours unlimited play on over 70 games. www.capcityarcade.com

The electric glow of arcade games. Come in and play today! Sunday sessions at noon, 3pm and 6pm. Buy your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames

The biggest COVID question we are asked is "How many people per session?" Our current limit is 20 people (down from 50 pre-covid). We have 70 machines in our arcade so there are more than 3 games/person and lots of room for social distancing. We had a surprise COVID review by Fraser Health this week and they approved our COVID plan and protocols. The important things they liked were our reduced occupancy, mandatory mask use and no food allowed. Our COVID plan is on our web...site. Please contact us if you have any questions. Single $20 tickets are available each weekend. Private bookings are available weekdays and are only $200 for up to 10 people. *This picture is from last night when we were sold out. #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestminster

2 on 2 Open Ice Challenge is now at the arcade! Experience the thrill of 2 on 2 Hockey with the same excitement as NBA Jam. It was released in 1995 so you can play the Vancouver Canucks in their 1990's heyday! Challenge your bubble on the ice this weekend. Tickets available online. www.capcityarcade.com... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #midway #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #hockey #2on2openicechallenge #retrogaming #newwest

Pac Man was released in North America in October of 1980. That is 40 years of chomping pellets and ghosts! We have sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday so you can maximize your power pellets! Ms Pac Man is available too! Get your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com... #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #pacman #pacmanturns40 #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

We are so sad to hear of the permanent closing of Grinkers Grand Palace Arcade in Eagle, Idaho, a casualty of COVID shutdowns and unforgiving landlords. We are heartbroken for our friends Steve and Laurie. They created an amazing arcade which became the inspiration for our own arcade. We first visited Grinkers in the summer of 2014 and started our yearly pilgrimage to Grinkfest that October. Grinkfest was a legendary event, drawing arcade collectors and enthusiasts from all ...over the continent and beyond. Part refereed tournament, part shenanigans, part arcade love fest, it quickly became a yearly must attend destination event. World records were set, friendships were made and so many hugs given. We started as attendees and later part of the group that ran the event. We were proud that last year Capital City Arcade was able to become a sponsor. For us, Grinkfest became like a family reunion of sorts, bringing together all of our arcade friends for one amazing weekend. Our kiddo competed in his first arcade tournament there, becoming the youngest competitor at 3 years old. He competed against all adults and he didn't come in last. So many laughs, so many great competitions, so many good times. RIP Grinkers. Please go out and support you local arcade. We know many of our other arcade owner friends are just hanging on, hoping to make it through like we are. If an arcade like Grinkers which was open for 8 years, had four expansions, ~350 games and a loyal following can't make it during these times, no one is safe.

*NEW GAME* - Pole Position One of our most requested games and the highest grossing game of 1983, Atari's Pole Position (1982) was the first racing game to feature a track based on a real racing circuit. The starting race sounds are a classic feature of any 1980s arcade. Can you qualify? How many races can you finish? ... Pole Position is just one of 70+ games included with your $20 admission to the arcade. Get your tickets for this weekend! www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

In this craziest of years, taking stock of what we are thankful for has become so important. We are so thankful that we are still able to open our doors. We continue to be thankful for all of the people that support our arcade. People who have bought tickets (especially those who have bought them almost every single week). People who have booked out the whole arcade. People who have bought masks and shirts. People who like, comment and share our posts. People who write review...s. People who tell their friends about us. People who took the time to fill out the city survey. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! #capcityarcade #classicarcade #thanksgiving #arcade #thankathon2020 #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

WE ARE IN A FORD COMMERCIAL! Due to Ford pausing its national social media advertising, they reallocated their advertising dollars to support Canadian operated small businesses affected by COVID. Capital City Arcade was chosen as one of 20 Canadian businesses in the Ford Escape #builtstreetstrong initiative and Ford is now advertising our arcade on YouTube! ... The pre roll ad will run from Sept 30 to Oct 18 throughout the Lower Mainland so watch for the arcade to show up before your favourite YouTube videos. Let us know if you see it! #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #ford #retroarcade #retrogames #youtubeads #retrogaming #newwest

Did you know we have a high score board? Our system is not just for the highest scores. Each game list can hold hundreds of scores so you can use it to keep track of your personal best for each game. It is running on screens in the arcade and can be accessed online from our website. Information on how to post your scores is at the arcade or ask the person behind the counter.... ***It also doubles as our current game list. It is updated when we bring in new games or when games are down for repair Check out what games we have! https://www.capcityarcade.com/#highscores #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #highscores #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

Sunday Funday! Escape into your favourite classic game! Grab your tickets online. www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #sundayfunday #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

Mask up! Our latest batch of masks have been selling even quicker than the last. These super comfortable masks are triple layered, adjustable and are printed locally by @hoocreativestudio. Our masks are available at the arcade for $10.... Limited tickets available for our Saturday 3pm and 9pm sessions. All sessions are capped at 20 people to ensure room for social distancing. Please buy your tickets online to avoid disappointment. www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #masks #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #supportlocal #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest

New on the floor: Sprint 2! We just picked up this Sprint 2 last week and it's now on the floor. This video is from the first test run. Who wants to race?... Tickets available for this weekend. www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #arcade #arcadegames #sprint2 #retroarcade #retrogames #atari #retrogaming #newwest

Small group private rentals are available! Perfect for your social circle and those looking for a different way to celebrate Halloween or Thanksgiving within their bubble this year. We have 2 hour private weekday rentals starting at $200 for up to 10 people (additional people are $20 each, up to a maximum of 20 total people). Unlimited game play on all machines included. Check availability and book online. www.capcityarcade.com... All COVID precautions and rules are still in effect. Masks required. Sorry, no food allowed at the arcade. Don't worry! Single tickets still available for sessions Friday - Sunday.

Booking now for Halloween! We have two options for October fun! Individual tickets available for Friday - Sunday sessions including Halloween night! Two hours of unlimited play on all games for $20. Each session is limited to 20 people.... Or book the arcade for just your group! Two hour private bookings available weekdays in October. Private sessions start at $200 for up to 10 people. Additional people $20 (max 20). Unlimited play on all games included! Contact us for additional information and times. Book both options online. www.capcityarcade.com Masks required. All COVID protocols in effect. #capcityarcade #classicarcade #halloween #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #retrogaming #newwest #newwestobsessed #newwestminster #newwestisbest #shopnewwest #metrovancouver #vancouver #yvr #viawesome #georgiastraight #vancitybuzz #dailyhivevan

Take a break on Sunday. Come in and play some games. We still have some tickets available for our 6pm session. www.capcityarcade.com #capcityarcade #classicarcade #trackandfield #arcade #arcadegames #retroarcade #retrogames #tetris #retrogaming #newwest