ACMI x Supernormal Pong Grand Slam
A Japanese-inspired underground video game arcade is taking over Supernormal for two weeks.
Overview
While those big-name tennis stars spend the Australian Open battling it out on court for the world to see, you can enjoy some victories of your own with a visit to Supernormal. Andrew McConnell's modern Japanese restaurant has joined forces with the team at ACMI to host a neon-lit, pop-up arcade bar, dedicated to the game of Pong.
One of the world's OG video games, the Atari release simulates a two-dimensional tennis match — only, unlike the real deal, it doesn't require slogging it out under Melbourne's hot January sun.
Decked out with multiple game consoles, the Pong Grand Slam arcade is set to take over Supernormal's lower level from Monday, January 20, until Sunday, February 2, while in the upstairs restaurant, a projection of an actual 1972 Pong duel is sure to offer some pre-game inspiration. It's free to play and you won't even need to book ahead for a console.
Of course, you're going to need some fuel for that Pong sesh and you'll find yourself in good hands with the bar's latest cocktail special. The aptly named Courtside boasts a blend of gin, ginger-infused elderflower syrup and dry ginger ale.
The ACMI x Supernormal Pong Grand Slam arcade is open from 11am till late, daily.