A B757-200 Captain's airspeed indicator was seen not responding at the 80 KT takeoff check. The takeoff was aborted and the aircraft returned to the gate for maintenance.

Narrative

It appeared to be a normal takeoff. As Captain it was my leg to fly. After cleared for takeoff; normal litany used and standard power selected. As I checked the power; the aircraft accelerated normally and the First Officer called 80 KTS. At this time I noticed my airspeed indicator was reading zero so I aborted. The abort was normal and we agreed that the maximum speed attained was approximately 85 KTS. After the airplane stopped; I made a PA to the passengers and Flight Attendants that we aborted takeoff due to a failed airspeed indicator and that we would taxi back to the gate and to please be patient. We cleared the runway and referred to the brake cooling chart. We determined a 5 minute cooling was required. We held off the runway for 5 minutes and coordinated with ATC; ramp for a gate and I called Dispatch to give them a heads up. I also called to coordinate maintenance for assistance. I wrote up the problem in the logbook and was met at the gate shortly thereafter by maintenance. They verified that the Captain's airspeed indicator was indeed inoperative; so they coordinated for a new airspeed gauge. I also requested a maximum effort braking maintenance and maintenance agreed. I let the passengers deplane to the terminal for coffee; approximately 1 to 1.5 hours later; maintenance was complete and the passengers were re-boarded and we continued our journey.