Midway history

Over a chaotic two day period during the fall of Saigon in April 1975, Midway was a floating base for large Air Force helicopters which evacuated more than 3,000 desperate refugees during Operation Frequent Wind.

Located in Columbia, MO, MidwayUSA started as a small gun shop in 1977 and has grown into an industry-leading internet retailer of over 120,000 Shooting, Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor products.

In 1988 Bally's amusement game divisions were purchased for $8 million by its main competitor in the arcade game industry, WMS Industries of Chicago.

"Mortal Kombat" Revives Industry: 1992

Each of the coin-operated video games released by Midway since 1993 which has sold at least 5,000 units has gone on to sell at least 100,000 units for each major home system for which it was released.

In March 1994 Midway and Nintendo formed a 50-50 joint venture.

In March 1998 Midway expanded its product line into the market for personal computer games. It purchased back North American and Japanese distribution rights to Midway personal computer games that the company had granted to GT Interactive Software in 1995, a time when it was focusing its attention on the home console market.

Midway Games had a number of achievements during its 1996 fiscal year.

At the mid-January 1997 price of $20 for a Midway share, every WMS share owned about $27.95 worth of Midway stock.

On April 6, 1998, all Midway shares held by WMS were distributed among its shareholders.

The Midway’s actual arrival in San Diego in January 2004 was the culmination for me of nearly eight years of participation and contribution, albeit in highly specialized ways, in transforming an empty retired carrier into a leading museum and attraction.