Gaming enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers rejoice! The Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE) promises an unforgettable weekend filled with classic consoles, arcade cabinets and enough pixelated memories to make any gamer’s heart skip a beat. This beloved event brings together thousands of retro gaming fans under one roof at the Oregon Convention Center.
What Is the Portland Retro Gaming Expo
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE) celebrates classic video gaming culture through a 3-day event at the Oregon Convention Center. Founded in 2006, PRGE connects over 8,000 attendees with 150+ vendors showcasing vintage games, consoles, arcade machines.
This annual gaming convention features:
- Gaming tournaments for titles like Super Mario Bros, Street Fighter II, Tetris
- Free-play arcade areas with 100+ restored cabinets
- Console freeplay zones with systems from Atari to PlayStation
- Collectible card game tournaments including Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon
- Retro computing displays featuring classic PCs, software demos
The expo floor includes dedicated spaces:
- Vendor Hall: Buy, sell, trade retro games, hardware, memorabilia
- Museum Area: Displays of rare consoles, games, gaming artifacts
- Panel Rooms: Gaming industry speakers, preservation talks, workshops
- Tournament Zone: Competitive gaming events, high score challenges
- Kids Corner: Family-friendly activities, educational gaming exhibits
Key event statistics:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Attendance | 8,000+ annual visitors |
| Floor Space | 90,000+ square feet |
| Vendors | 150+ exhibitors |
| Arcade Games | 100+ cabinets |
| Event Duration | 3 full days |
PRGE operates as a non-profit organization focused on preserving gaming history through education, community engagement, interactive exhibits. The expo provides hands-on experiences with classic gaming systems while connecting collectors, enthusiasts, industry veterans.
When and Where to Buy Your PRGE Tickets
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo offers multiple ticket purchasing options for attendees. Securing tickets early guarantees entry to this popular gaming event at the Oregon Convention Center.
Online Ticket Purchase Options
PRGE tickets are available through the official website at retrogamingexpo.com starting 6 months before the event. Digital tickets include options for single-day passes ($30), weekend passes ($65) VIP packages ($150). The online platform accepts major credit cards PayPal. Ticket prices include:
| Ticket Type | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Day | $30 | Basic expo access |
| Weekend Pass | $65 | Three-day access |
| VIP Package | $150 | Early entry + exclusive items |
Box Office and On-Site Sales
The Oregon Convention Center box office sells PRGE tickets during the event weekend. On-site ticket prices increase by $5-10 compared to online rates. Box office hours run from:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 1 PM – 8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
The box office accepts cash credit cards debit cards. Limited quantities of VIP packages remain available at the door.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Portland Retro Gaming Expo offers three distinct ticket categories to accommodate different attendance preferences. Each ticket type provides specific access levels to the expo’s gaming attractions exhibitions tournaments.
Single-Day Passes
Single-day passes grant full access to PRGE for one selected day of the event at $30 per person. These passes include entry to:
- Main exhibit hall with 150+ vendors
- Free-play arcade area featuring 100 classic cabinets
- Tournament viewing areas
- Panel discussions during scheduled hours
- Museum exhibits showcasing rare gaming artifacts
Children ages 6 and under enter free with a paid adult admission. Single-day passes increase to $35 when purchased at the venue door.
Weekend Passes
Weekend passes provide comprehensive three-day access to PRGE for $65. Pass holders receive:
- Unlimited entry across all three event days
- Priority queue access before single-day ticket holders
- Access to special Friday preview events
- Entry to exclusive weekend-only tournaments
- Commemorative event lanyard
Early bird weekend passes cost $55 when purchased three months before the event date.
VIP Package Options
VIP packages deliver premium PRGE experiences at $150 per person including:
- Early access one hour before general admission
- Exclusive VIP lounge access with refreshments
- Limited edition PRGE merchandise pack
- Reserved seating at main tournament events
- Private meet-and-greet sessions with special guests
- Priority vendor hall access
- Dedicated VIP registration line
VIP packages sell out quickly due to limited availability of 200 spots per event.
What’s Included With Your Expo Pass
Portland Retro Gaming Expo passes unlock access to multiple attractions across the Oregon Convention Center. Each pass type includes specific features designed to enhance the gaming experience.
Gaming Floor Access
The gaming floor features over 100 restored arcade cabinets set to free play mode. Attendees access classic console gaming stations equipped with Nintendo NES SNES Genesis PlayStation systems. The dedicated tournament area hosts competitive events for Street Fighter II Mortal Kombat Super Mario Bros. A separate handheld gaming section provides spaces for Nintendo Game Boy DS 3DS meetups. The gaming floor operates from 10 AM to midnight on Friday Saturday with reduced hours on Sunday.
Vendor Hall Entry
The vendor hall spans 50000 square feet with 150 exhibitors displaying retro games consoles accessories collectibles. Attendees browse through curated selections of vintage hardware from Atari through PlayStation. The trading area facilitates direct exchanges between collectors enthusiasts. Professional grading services evaluate game conditions on-site. Independent developers showcase new games created for classic systems. Premium vendors offer rare Japanese imports limited edition releases factory-sealed titles.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal on PRGE Tickets
Early bird specials offer tickets at $55 for weekend passes, saving $10 off regular pricing.
Several discount opportunities make PRGE tickets more affordable:
- Sign up for the PRGE newsletter to receive exclusive promo codes
- Follow PRGE social media accounts for flash sales announcements
- Join retro gaming groups on Facebook for member-only discounts
- Purchase group tickets for 10+ people to get a 15% discount
- Check local gaming stores for promotional partnerships
Smart timing strategies maximize savings:
- Book tickets 6 months in advance when sales open
- Purchase during holiday sale events in December
- Buy weekend passes instead of multiple single-day tickets
- Register for tournaments early to lock in lower rates
- Reserve hotel packages that include discounted PRGE admission
Alternative ticket options provide cost savings:
- Volunteer positions include free admission
- Student discounts with valid ID save $5 per ticket
- Military personnel receive $10 off with proper identification
- Local gaming club memberships often include expo discounts
- Trade show vendor passes include full weekend access
Payment methods affect final costs:
- Use PayPal for buyer protection without extra fees
- Pay with credit cards that offer cashback on entertainment purchases
- Avoid third-party sellers charging premium prices
- Split group purchases to share transaction fees
- Take advantage of payment plan options for VIP packages
These pricing options maintain affordability while accessing PRGE’s extensive gaming experiences, vendor hall access, tournament participation, panel discussions, and museum exhibits.
Planning Your Visit to the Portland Retro Gaming Expo
The Oregon Convention Center opens its doors for PRGE at 9:00 AM for VIP pass holders and 10:00 AM for general admission. Convenient parking options include the center’s main garage at $15 per day or nearby street parking at $2 per hour.
Accommodation choices near the venue:
- Hotel Eastlund (0.2 miles) offers gaming-themed packages during expo dates
- Hyatt Regency Portland (0.1 miles) features special PRGE attendee rates
- Jupiter Hotel (1.2 miles) provides complimentary shuttle service
Transportation options to reach the venue:
- MAX Light Rail Red Line stops directly at the convention center
- TriMet bus routes 6 8 and 70 connect to major city areas
- Rideshare pickup zones located at MLK Jr Boulevard entrance
Essential items to bring:
- Valid photo ID for ticket verification
- Cash for vendor purchases (ATMs charge $4 fee)
- Portable chargers for gaming devices
- Comfortable shoes for extended walking
- Storage bags for purchases
| Time Slot | Activity Location |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Main Hall Opens |
| 11:30 AM | Tournament Area |
| 1:00 PM | Panel Rooms |
| 3:00 PM | Trading Floor |
| 7:00 PM | Arcade Area |
Food options inside the venue:
- Convention center café serves meals $8-15
- Food court with 5 local vendors
- Coffee cart stations on each floor
- Outside food permitted in designated areas
The expo floor spans 3 levels connected by escalators and elevators. Each area features clear signage directing attendees to specific attractions gaming zones and restroom facilities.
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo stands as the premier destination for retro gaming enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. With multiple ticket options available to suit different budgets and preferences attendees can easily find their perfect way to experience this gaming celebration.
Whether choosing single-day passes VIP packages or weekend admission tickets securing spots early ensures the best rates and guarantees entry to this popular event. The expo’s commitment to preserving gaming history while creating an engaging community space makes it worth every penny spent on admission.
Visitors planning their PRGE experience should act quickly as tickets especially VIP packages tend to sell out fast. This gaming extravaganza promises an unforgettable weekend filled with nostalgia competitive spirit and countless opportunities to expand personal collections.