Tucson Novice League Kicks Off at Hotrods Old Vail

Pinball, Burgers, and Classic Cars—A Tucson Classic

Tucked away in the southeastern side of Tucson, Hotrods Old Vail isn’t just about good eats—it’s a full-on experience. Picture this: classic cars in every direction, a menu loaded with American comfort food, and a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where a simple meal turns into a mini car show. The staff gets it, too—spotting when the little ones (and let’s be honest, the grown-ups) are gawking at the hot rods and making sure everyone gets a front-row seat. It was the perfect setting for a laid-back night of pinball competition, bringing together players for the first Tucson Pinball Novice League event of the year.

Sharpshooting in Round One—A Wild West Duel on Sharp Shooter II

Round one wasted no time heating up as players took to Sharp Shooter II, a game that practically demands an old-school showdown. Released in January 1983 by Game Plan, this machine doesn’t hold your hand—no ramps, no gimmicks, just pure pinball grit. The playfield is dominated by a classic Western gunslinger theme, where every shot feels like a standoff at high noon. Players must strategically aim for stand-up targets and drop targets while working the center spinner for maximum points.

It’s the kind of game where every shot counts, and Xavier Cuevas made sure his counted the most. With quick reflexes and a steady hand, he edged out Bob Casetta for the top spot, while Austin Almquist and Bob Bodman battled for third. Bodman, ranked 195th in Arizona, put up a strong fight, but it wasn’t enough to crack the top two.

Rock Icons, Sci-Fi Invasions, and Santa? Tournament Highlights

A mix of legendary titles lit up the tournament floor, keeping players on their toes:

Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995) – A Battle for Planet Earth

A fan-favorite in any tournament setting, Attack from Mars throws players into a war against invading Martians. Designed by Brian Eddy, this game is all about looping ramps, destroying saucers, and triggering a chaotic multiball mode that racks up big points fast. The main goal? Defeat the Martians and take back Earth by completing all six major shots, lighting up the playfield in the process. The tournament saw plenty of high-stakes action on this one, with players aiming for Rule the Universe, the ultimate wizard mode that only the best can reach.

Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978) – Country Charm Meets Classic Pinball

Dolly Parton isn’t just a country music legend—she’s also the star of one of Bally’s most colorful late-70s tables. Featuring her iconic signature and imagery, this game is a blast from the past with its smooth spinner shots, center target banks, and bonus multipliers that encourage strategic shooting. The real challenge? Keeping the ball under control long enough to build big bonus points, which carry over from ball to ball—an uncommon but welcome feature for bonus-focused players. This game rewarded players with patience and precision, much like Dolly’s timeless music career.

Taxi (Williams, 1988) – Picking Up Big Scores One Passenger at a Time

Designed by Mark Ritchie, Taxi is one of the best examples of classic Williams’ late-’80s pinball design. The goal is simple: pick up five famous passengers—Pinbot, Santa Claus, Dracula, Marilyn Monroe, and Gorby (Mikhail Gorbachev, for those keeping track). Each passenger has a unique shot associated with them, meaning players had to aim carefully and make strategic decisions about who to pick up first. Add in a wild multiball feature and a jackpot that resets once collected, and it’s easy to see why Taxi was a crowd favorite in the tournament.

The Walking Dead (Stern, 2014) – Survive or Be Devoured

For those who like their pinball with a side of terror, The Walking Dead by Stern is a relentless challenge. Based on the hit TV series, this game demands precision, strategy, and quick thinking as players navigate through a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies, prison battles, and nail-biting multiballs. The Well Walker Bash Toy was a frequent target for players looking to trigger multiball and rack up quick points, while others focused on completing Arena and Riot mode for massive score boosts. The game’s eerie sound effects and voice clips added to the intensity, making it a true test of survival.

A Night for Newcomers—And a Veteran’s Podium Finish

A big congratulations to Jim Keating, who took home first place, proving that rankings don’t mean everything. Jacob Saeger followed close behind in second, showing solid skills despite also being unranked. Bob Bodman, Arizona’s 195th-ranked player, added another podium finish to his impressive 117 career IFPA events, securing third place. Ryan Saeger, with 12 IFPA events under his belt, held his ground for fourth, continuing his climb up the competitive ladder.

Arizona’s Top 10 IFPA Standings

Pinball, Cars, and a Great Start to 2025

With the first Tucson Pinball Novice League event in the books, the season is off to an exciting start. A big thank you to Wayne Saeger for running a smooth event and to Hotrods Old Vail for providing such a cool setting for pinball action. From the Sharp Shooter II showdown in round one to the last flip of the night, players put their skills to the test, making for an unforgettable evening.

Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament news—you never know when the next great game will happen!