47 Years of Stern’s Stars & 10 Rounds of Pinball at District 82

The February edition of Flippin’ Friday at District 82 brought the usual mix of fierce competition and camaraderie, all wrapped in a brisk 29-degree Wisconsin night. Thirteen players entered the Group Knockout tournament, where survival depended on dodging strikes while navigating an impressive lineup of 109 pinball machines. With a three-strike limit and ten intense rounds, it was a battle of skill, endurance, and the occasional lucky bounce.

Pinball Paradise in De Pere

District 82 Pinball isn’t just another arcade—it’s a shrine to the silver ball. Housing over 100 impeccably maintained machines, this venue is where competitive pinball thrives. The environment welcomes players of all skill levels, from die-hard tournament competitors to nostalgic parents introducing their kids to the magic of pinball for the first time. With unlimited play for a flat fee, a calendar stacked with tournaments, and machines spanning every era of pinball history, District 82 has firmly cemented itself as a must-visit destination for pinball lovers in the Midwest.

Game Spotlight: The Twinkling Challenge of Stars

Released in March 1978, Stars came out during the height of pinball’s solid-state revolution, an era when manufacturers were experimenting with digital scoring, electronic sounds, and early bonus multipliers. Unlike the flashy pinball epics of today, Stars is a game of pure skill—no ramps, no complex modes, just you, the drop targets, and gravity waiting to punish even the slightest misstep.

This single-level, fast-playing machine has a layout that lures players into a false sense of control. The objective? Knock down the five star targets spread across the playfield to light special modes and maximize scoring. But here’s the kicker—miss your shot, and you’re at the mercy of a playfield that loves to send balls screaming down the outlanes. Tournament players know this game isn’t about brute force; it’s about surgical precision, ball control, and knowing when to risk a shot versus when to let the ball settle.

In Round 4, four players faced off on Stars, but only one truly mastered its cruel simplicity. Mike Moberg, ranked 55th in Wisconsin, played the game like he had a roadmap to victory, nailing drop targets and keeping his shots clean. His control and accuracy earned him the win. Jason Krajcar (158th in the state) took second, showing impressive adaptability despite a lower ranking. Tara Henjum, ranked 78th, landed in third after a few brutal drains, while Chuck Blohm, despite his high state ranking of 20th, fell victim to Stars’ notorious unpredictability, finishing fourth.

This game’s longevity in tournament play speaks to its brilliance. In an era where pinball machines are increasingly loaded with deep rulesets and interactive toys, Stars proves that all you really need for a great game is a brutal layout and the relentless pull of gravity. After 47 years, this Stern classic is still shining—just don’t expect it to go easy on you.

The Machines That Stole the Show

With 109 machines in the mix, there was no shortage of iconic titles to test players’ skills. A few standouts deserve a closer look:

• South Park (Sega, 1999) – Sega’s last pinball machine before selling its pinball division to Stern, South Park captures the irreverent humor of the TV show. With voice clips straight from the series and a chaotic multiball featuring characters like Mr. Hankey, this game is a loud, fast, and at times frustrating experience. Sega Pinball, originally Data East’s pinball division, brought a unique style to the industry in the ’90s before transitioning into the modern Stern Pinball era.

• Comet (Williams, 1985) – Part of a trio of amusement park-themed games (Comet, Cyclone, and Hurricane), this Williams classic is all about controlled shots and a signature one-million-point shot that can turn the game around in a single flip. This game paved the way for deeper scoring strategies in later solid-state machines.

• Alien Poker (Williams, 1980) – A bizarre mix of outer space and playing card themes, this Williams title from the early solid-state era is known for its incredibly challenging drop target banks. The 1980s saw Williams solidify its status as an industry powerhouse, setting the stage for its legendary dominance in the ’90s.

• Melody (Gottlieb, 1967) – This electro-mechanical (EM) beauty takes players back to the golden age of pinball, where precise shots and controlled nudging were essential. Gottlieb was once the undisputed king of pinball, known for their reliable mechanics and family-friendly themes before being overtaken by Williams and Bally in the solid-state era.

• Silverball Mania (Bally, 1978) – One of the most beautiful machines of its era, Silverball Mania is remembered for its stunning artwork, featuring a hypnotic pinball goddess on the backglass. Gameplay-wise, it’s an unforgiving experience, with unpredictable rebounds and a center-post that can be both a savior and a curse.

• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The highest-selling pinball machine of all time, The Addams Family is a masterpiece of game design, featuring magnets that influence the ball’s path and the iconic “Thing Flip,” where the machine itself makes a perfect shot. Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game set a new standard for interactive toys and deep rule sets.

• The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard (Data East, 1994) – A rock opera turned into a pinball machine, this Data East title features a unique “blind mode,” where flippers are disabled unless players hit specific targets. Data East was a major innovator in the late ’80s and early ’90s, pushing licensed themes into the mainstream before merging into Sega Pinball.

• Trident (Stern Electronics, 1979) – Another Stern classic from the pre-solid-state boom, Trident combines a wide-open playfield with a bonus multiplier system that rewards accurate shooting.

• Corvette (Bally, 1994) – A high-speed experience with a moving race car toy on the playfield, Corvette embodies the adrenaline rush of both racing and pinball. Bally’s history stretches back to the 1930s, but in the ’90s, it was one of the industry leaders before Williams absorbed the brand.

Tournament Titans: The Final Four

After ten grueling rounds, only one player remained undefeated:

1. Erik Thoren (De Pere, WI) – The home-field advantage paid off as Erik dominated the field, proving why he’s ranked 4th in Wisconsin. His ability to adapt to any machine made the difference in the finals.
2. John Penokie – A strong second-place finish, navigating through the knockout rounds with consistent, calculated play.
3. Paul Tvedt (Woodbury, MN) – The Minnesota native battled his way to third, making a strong out-of-state showing.
4. Mike Moberg – After a solid Stars victory earlier in the night, Mike kept the momentum rolling, securing a well-earned fourth-place finish.

Wisconsin’s Top 10: State Standings Update

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

The cold Wisconsin night may have kept people bundled up outside, but inside District 82, the competition was red hot. A huge shoutout to Erik Thoren for organizing another fantastic event and taking home the win. With another Flippin’ Friday in the books, we’re already looking forward to the next showdown at one of the best pinball venues in the country.

Until next time—may your shots be precise and your drains be few!