The Fourth Annual Michigan Pinball Expo returns to Oakland University
In 2010, about a 1,000 pinball fans attended the first expo. Last year the event brought in about 5,000 people with a little more than 125 pinball machines. John Kosmal, the show’s director, has over 150 games ready to go this year with hopes of beating last year’s attendance numbers.
Tickets are just $15 (pre-sale ends this weekend) for age 16 and older for one day. If you want all four days – all 57 hours of the expo – it’s $60 pre-sale or $70 at the door. Children and students get in for less (see below for full run-down of ticket options). One price gets you all the play you want – leave the quarters at home.
Fancy yourself a Pinball Wizard?
John Kosmal said, “There will be $20,000 available in cash and prizes” for winners of the various tournaments during the run of the exposition. Pinbrawl XII is held on Saturday morning, April 6, from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Teams of two enter the multi-game competition and through a series of rounds, a winner will be named. Through a raffle, anyone that enters the tournament has a chance to win the grand prize, a new in the box Jersey Jack Pinball “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” limited edition pinball machine.
The Wizards in Training Kids Tournament is another returning event. This “feel good” competition is for children aged 12 and younger and new to the experience of playing pinball. Everyone is treated like a star at this tournament. There is no additional charge after the price of admission and runs Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Last year 85 kids from three states took advantage of this fun contest.
New for 2013
Two Wizard of Oz pinball machines from Jersey Jack Pinball and two Avengers pinball machines from Stern Pinball will be the highlighted games this year. Guest speakers and vendors will keep you up to date the pinball world. Some games are available for sale or trade. Grab the attention from across the room, with all the bells and whistles, as you play the silver ball at the Michigan Pinball Expo 2013.
What you Need to Know to Go
Fourth Annual Michigan Pinball Expo at Oakland University in Rochester
April 4-7, 2013
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:00 a.m. -12 midnight
Sunday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Tickets (pre-sale option ends soon) Per Day:
In Advance
Adults (16+) $15.00, Children & Students $10.00
At the Door
Adults (16+) $20.00, Children & Students $15.00
Four Day Passes:
In Advance
Adults (16+) $60.00, Children & Students $40.00
At the Door
Adults (16+) $70.00, Children & Students $50.00
Children under four years of age are free all the time
Visit www.mipinball.com to buy tickets, sign-up for tournaments and to view a list of all the games.
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and regular contributor for Rochester Media. He writes about happenings in the Rochester Area, adventures across Michigan and travel from around the world. He also loves pinball and wasted many youthful hours in the arcade at the former Meadowbrook Mall in Rochester Hills. Email him at [email protected]
About Michael Dwyer