Pinball Pandemonium at Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes

In the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, where the chill of February doesn’t deter the warmth of community spirit, the Schwoeglers February 2025 Stern Army Tournament lit up the evening of February 15th. Hosted at the ever-inviting Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes, this event brought together pinball enthusiasts for a night of competitive chaos and camaraderie.

Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes: More Than Just Bowling

Found at 444 Grand Canyon Drive, Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes isn’t just about strikes and spares. The venue is a staple in the Madison entertainment scene, offering a mix of classic bowling, arcade games, and, most importantly, a growing pinball presence. Whether you’re there for a company party, a family outing, or just to test your skills on some high-quality pins, Schwoegler delivers with top-notch service and well-maintained games. The staff’s dedication to keeping guests happy is well known, and the food—ranging from crispy chicken tenders to well-loved quesadillas—makes it a prime spot for both casual and serious players.

Tournament Highlights: A Flurry of Flippers

As overcast clouds loomed and temperatures hovered at a brisk 25°F (feeling more like 15°F), participants braved the cold for an intense evening of pinball. With five players each tackling eight head-to-head games across 11 machines, the format was an exciting, free-for-all mix of skill and strategy. Organizer Michael Williams kept things running smoothly, ensuring the tournament flowed seamlessly for a fast-paced two-and-a-half-hour showdown.

Pinball Spotlight: Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE)

The standout machine of the tournament was Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) by Chicago Gaming Company, a modern reimagining of Bally’s 1998 classic. This game plunges players into a fast-paced Wild West shootout, where lawmen take on outlaws, stagecoaches need saving, and the town’s fate rests on the flippers.

What to Know When You Step Up to the Sheriff’s Post:

• Polly Peril Modes: Rescue the damsel in distress by nailing the left ramp, which sets up big scoring opportunities.
• Quick Draw Shootouts: Hit the flashing shots to take down bandits before they get the upper hand.
• Multiball Mayhem: Lock balls through the mine entrance and unleash jackpots that can turn the tide in any match.
• Showdown Wizard Mode: Complete all major objectives to enter a final high-stakes battle against the bad guys, with massive points on the line.

For those encountering Cactus Canyon in future tournaments, focusing on stacking modes and maximizing multiball is the path to high scores.

The Machines That Made It Happen

This tournament featured a stellar lineup of 11 machines, each with its own unique quirks and history. Here’s a look at some of the standouts:

• RollerCoaster Tycoon (2002, Stern) – Designed by Pat Lawlor, the mind behind Twilight Zone and The Addams Family, this game is all about managing a chaotic amusement park. The ramps twist and turn like a real coaster, and players must complete wacky tasks like rescuing trapped park-goers and launching duck-filled boats. Lawlor’s signature design style is evident in the quirky layout and challenging shot sequences.
• Hot Wheels (2020, American Pinball) – A modern entry into the pinball scene, this game captures the essence of childhood racing mayhem with bright, fast ramps and dynamic interactive elements. The machine features a speedometer, an announcer that keeps the excitement high, and missions based on legendary Hot Wheels cars, making it a fan favorite for players who love fast-flowing games.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) (2021, Stern) – Inspired by the hit Star Wars series, this game is packed with missions straight from the show. It features a mini-playfield controlled by a separate flipper, an IG-11 hurry-up mode, and a Beskar collection system that lets players choose their rewards. With a mixture of strategy and adrenaline-pumping action, The Mandalorian rewards precise shot-making and careful mission selection.
• Monster Bash (Remake Special) (2018, Chicago Gaming) – This cult-classic is a love letter to Universal’s legendary monsters, challenging players to reunite Frankenstein, Dracula, and the gang for a rock concert. The gameplay revolves around lighting instruments and stacking modes for huge payoffs, making it one of the most rewarding and fun machines of all time.
• Jurassic Park (Pro) (2019, Stern) – Keith Elwin’s masterpiece throws players onto Isla Nublar, where they must capture escaped dinosaurs, rescue stranded park personnel, and survive the chaos. With an innovative layout featuring an interactive T-Rex and chaotic multi-path shots, this machine rewards strategic play and high-risk, high-reward decision-making.

Celebrating the Champions: Rising Stars Shine

A hearty congratulations to the tournament’s top performers:

• 1st Place: Garrett Peterson – Despite an IFPA rank of 13,666 and 179 events under his belt, Garrett’s win proved that persistence and a deep understanding of the machines pay off.
• 2nd Place: Ryan Plender – With only 10 events to his name and a state rank of 287th, Ryan’s rapid climb in the pinball world is nothing short of impressive.
• 3rd Place: Nathan Webber – Representing Wisconsin with a state rank of 301st and only three IFPA events, Nathan’s podium finish makes him one to watch in upcoming tournaments.
• 4th Place: Sharkey Plender – A Madison local with a state rank of 124th and 81 events under her belt, she continues to be a formidable competitor on the Wisconsin pinball scene.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Powerhouses: Top 10 Standings

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

The Schwoeglers February 2025 Stern Army Tournament was another reminder of why competitive pinball continues to grow. With a strong lineup of machines, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere, it’s events like these that keep the flippers flipping. A huge thank you to Michael Williams for running a smooth tournament and to Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes for hosting. Congratulations again to Garrett Peterson for taking the top spot!

Look forward to more exciting pinball updates and tournament recaps soon!