How would you like to visit a game room and play games while keeping your quarters? Sound too good to be true? It isn’t if you like pinball because the Michigan Pinball Expo is offering free play (though entry fees apply!) at Oakland University in Rochester beginning April 9-12, 2015.
This is definitely one of those annual metro Detroit events that’s fit for all ages. Whether a total beginner, avid lover of game playing or more competitive in nature, every family member can bond over an old-school game of pinball. Make your way through 15,000 square feet of pinball action and play over 100 machines for a total of 50 hours! Or, of course, you can just swing by for a few hours of flipper action. It’s all in fun.
The types of pinball machine themes you’ll spot this year include The Hobbit, Dr. Who, Superman, Wizard of Oz, Tron, Flash Gordon, Indiana Jones, Jungle Queen, Elvis, Olympic Hockey, Robocop – and loads more.
Have you mastered pinball and are ready to compete? Or maybe you just like competing but consider yourself a novice? Bring your game face because tournaments are available for all skill level, including the sixth annual kids-level “Wizard in Training” on Saturday. Some lucky winners may take home $20,000, trophies and other cool prizes. And don’t leave without getting some pinball swag. Rock a cool T-shirt or buy other little trinkets to remember the event.
The Michigan Pinball Expo runs April 9-12, 2015 and event times are as follows:
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
It will be held at the Oakland Center at Oakland University. Tickets can be purchased online for discounted pricing or at the door. Single day tickets or a show pass for all four days is available for purchase.
Single day pricing is as follows (note: presale ends 11:59 p.m. Monday April 6):
- Adults/single day: $17.50/advance, $20/door
- Kids (4-15), students/single day: $12.50/advance and $15/door
- Kids (4 and under): free
College students can make it a game night 7 p.m.-midnight Thursday, April 9. Students must present ID at the door. Presale tickets are $5 or $10 at the door.
Want to bring the fun to your home? You can even buy full-size pinball machines from local collectors and businesses. If you have one already that needs selling or fixing, these services are available too. Or, if you’re throwing a party and want to include a pinball machine, some are also available for rent.
For more on the 2015 Michigan Pinball Expo at Oakland University in Rochester, check out the Metro Parent calendar listing.
