Multiball Madness at Hotrods Old Vail Tucson

On March 8, 2025, pinball competitors gathered at Hotrods Old Vail for TUCSON TIMED MATCH PLAY, an afternoon packed with high-speed flips, brutal drains, and clutch comebacks. Over 11 intense rounds, players cycled through a mix of classic and modern pinball machines, battling for the top spot. With a comfortable 58°F outside and clear skies, it was a perfect day to stay indoors and let the flippers do the talking.

A Venue That’s All About Speed—Cars and Pinball

Located at 10500 East Old Vail Road, Hotrods Old Vail isn’t your standard tournament venue. With its automotive-themed decor and garage-style aesthetic, this place is built for gearheads and burger lovers alike. The food is just as much a spectacle as the classic cars on display—diners rave about the massive, flavor-packed burgers, with the AZ Burger being an especially daunting challenge for anyone with a small appetite.

For pinball players, the venue added an extra layer of excitement—there’s just something about flipping away on a machine while surrounded by the roar of muscle cars. Check them out at Hotrods Old Vail if you’re ever in Tucson and in the mood for both great food and classic Americana vibes.

Round 1 Highlight: Fending Off the Undead on The Walking Dead (Pro)

The tournament kicked off with a battle against the zombie apocalypse on Stern’s The Walking Dead (Pro), a 2014 release based on AMC’s hit TV show. Known for its brutal outlanes and high-risk, high-reward gameplay, this game demands pinpoint accuracy and a solid understanding of risk management.

One of the most exciting moments in this match came when Robert Noble took full advantage of Well Walker Multiball, landing a crucial jackpot at just the right time to push himself into first place. Wayne Saeger, playing a more controlled, calculated game, kept things close but just couldn’t rack up the same big-value shots that Robert did.

Meanwhile, Bob Bodman and Heather Hocker had a tough time keeping the ball alive. The Walking Dead’s layout is notorious for kicking players when they’re down, and this round was no exception—missed shots quickly turned into fast, unforgiving drains, sealing their lower placements.

The Tournament Lineup: Machines That Defined the Day

With nine machines in the mix, this tournament was a true test of adaptability. Each game had its own distinct personality, playstyle, and challenge level. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the stars of the lineup.

Sharp Shooter II (Game Plan, 1983) – A Forgotten Classic

You don’t see many Game Plan machines in the wild these days, but Sharp Shooter II was a reminder that this company once made a serious run at competing with the big names in pinball. Game Plan, a Chicago-based manufacturer, was a short-lived but ambitious company in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, known for their quirky designs.

Sharp Shooter II, designed by Lyn Durant, was one of their last releases. With a Wild West theme, it features drop targets galore and a simple but addictive gameplay loop—hit the shots, build your bonus, and don’t tilt.

AC/DC (Pro) (Stern, 2012) – Rock ‘n’ Roll Pinball at its Finest

One of Stern’s most popular rock band-themed machines, AC/DC (Pro) lets players select a song at the start of the game, each of which alters scoring strategies and gameplay focus. The “Hell’s Bell” feature, a physical bell that players must strike to unlock big points, is a major highlight.

Tournament players had to balance their multiballs with song-based scoring opportunities, making this a game that rewards long-term strategy and controlled aggression.

Godzilla (Premium) (Stern, 2021) – A Modern Masterpiece

This Keith Elwin-designed juggernaut is one of the most critically acclaimed modern pinball machines, and for good reason. The flow is buttery smooth, the rules allow for endless strategic depth, and the destruction animations make every shot feel cinematic.

Players had to battle through Kaiju, knock down buildings, and stack multiballs to put up big scores. Those who could combo their way through the city’s destruction stood the best chance of ruling the monster kingdom.

Future Spa (Bally, 1979) – Where Sci-Fi Meets… Exercise?

Future Spa perfectly encapsulates the weirdness of late ‘70s Bally pinball. A wide-body design means a spacious playfield, but don’t be fooled—this game is anything but slow. Players who lost focus for even a second found themselves scrambling to regain control.

With double spinners, tricky bonus multipliers, and a bizarre futuristic spa aesthetic, it remains one of Bally’s most underrated gems from the era.

Metallica (Pro) (Stern, 2013) – Fast, Loud, and Ruthless

When Metallica pinball dropped, it instantly became a fan favorite. Featuring a hard-hitting soundtrack and one of the most brutal layouts Stern has ever designed, this game demands non-stop action.

Players had to take advantage of Sparky’s electric chair—the machine’s signature toy that delivers chaos and big scoring opportunities. Those who could nail the coffin and fuel targets had the best shot at keeping the multiball action rolling.

A Hard-Fought Battle to the Finish

As the tournament progressed, Wayne Saeger showed why he’s one of Arizona’s most consistent pinball competitors. After some rough early rounds, he found his groove, racking up clutch victories in later games to clinch the overall win.

Robert Noble, who had started off strong with his Walking Dead victory, remained a top contender throughout but couldn’t quite overcome Wayne’s late surge. Bob Bodman, meanwhile, stayed steady, finishing third by avoiding major disasters and keeping his play consistent across multiple machines.

And then there was Heather Hocker, who, despite being relatively new to the competitive scene, made a serious impression. She played fearlessly, holding her own against much more experienced opponents and showing flashes of brilliance that hint at a promising future in competitive pinball.

The Arizona Pinball Leaderboard

Final Drain: Another One in the Books

With clutch shots, brutal drains, and some serious upsets, the TUCSON TIMED MATCH PLAY tournament delivered another memorable competition. Huge thanks to Wayne Saeger for running the show and to Hotrods Old Vail for providing a venue where fast food meets fast flips.

Wayne Saeger took home the win this time, but with strong performances from Robert Noble, Bob Bodman, and Heather Hocker, the Arizona pinball scene continues to stay unpredictable.

Look forward to more pinball action in the near future—until then, keep flipping!