Tucson Timed Match Play: A Night of Flipping Fun in the Desert

If you thought you knew pinball, think again! On August 8th, 2024, the Tucson Indoor Sports Center hosted a lively and competitive pinball tournament that had all of us on the edge of our seats. The event, known as the Tucson Timed Match Play @TISC, brought together six skilled players for 12 intense rounds, each battling it out on a different machine. The action started at 6:00 PM sharp and lasted just over three hours, with players giving it their all despite the light rain drizzling outside and the comfortable 77°F temperature.

Flipping Through Tucson Indoor Sports Center

Nestled in the heart of Tucson at 1065 W Grant Rd, the Tucson Indoor Sports Center served as the perfect venue for this thrilling pinball showdown. While the center may be better known for its indoor sports, it transformed into a pinball paradise for the night. With spacious rooms and a laid-back atmosphere, it was an excellent setting for players to showcase their skills. If you’re ever in the area, check out their website at tucsonindoorsports.com to see what else this versatile venue has to offer.

The Monster Battle: Godzilla (Premium) Round 10 Showdown

Round 10 of the Tucson Timed Match Play @TISC was nothing short of legendary, with players battling it out on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium). Imagine the scene: as Godzilla rampages through the city, toppling skyscrapers and battling monstrous foes, the players themselves were locked in an epic struggle to control the chaos on the playfield. Wayne Saeger, with the precision and calm of a seasoned warrior, navigated the mayhem with expert shots, triggering multiballs and devastating destruction bonuses. The tension in the room was palpable as Robert Noble gave chase, his flippers firing like Godzilla’s atomic breath, racking up points in a bid to close the gap. But it was Wayne’s mastery over the magnetic Newton ball—a feature that mimics Godzilla’s tail swipe—that sealed his victory, earning him the top spot in this unforgettable round. Meanwhile, Mike Ryba fought valiantly, but in this battle of titans, he ultimately had to settle for third. The game was a perfect showcase of why Godzilla (Premium) is a fan favorite: a blend of cinematic thrills and skillful gameplay that leaves everyone breathless.

A Closer Look at the Pinball Lineup

No pinball tournament is complete without a stellar lineup of machines, and this event didn’t disappoint. Here’s a peek at some of the standout games that players faced:

Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): When it comes to modern pinball machines, Godzilla (Premium) is a masterpiece of both design and gameplay. Released in 2021, this machine roars to life with an intricate playfield that perfectly captures the chaos and destruction of a Godzilla movie. Players were drawn to the magnetic Newton ball, which acts like Godzilla’s mighty tail, and the collapsing skyscrapers that create a dynamic, ever-changing battlefield. The game’s deep rule set allows for various strategies, whether you’re focusing on building destruction or fighting off the monsters. In the heat of the tournament, Godzilla proved to be both a challenge and a thrill for all competitors.

The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (2014): This machine brings the apocalyptic world of zombies right to the flippers. The Walking Dead (Pro) is not for the faint-hearted, with its brutal difficulty and intense gameplay. Players had to fend off zombies using well-aimed shots at the prison tower, Walker targets, and the notorious Well Walker bash toy. The game’s combination of dark, gritty artwork and pulse-pounding sound effects immerse players in the fight for survival. During the tournament, this machine separated the survivors from the victims, with only the most focused players making it out unscathed.

Dolly Parton by Bally (1978): A blast from the past, Dolly Parton’s pinball machine is as timeless as the country music icon herself. This machine offers a simpler, yet no less engaging, experience. Its vibrant, retro artwork and classic gameplay mechanics like drop targets and spinners bring players back to the golden age of pinball. Dolly Parton’s catchy tunes playing in the background only add to the nostalgia. In the tournament, it was a refreshing change of pace, offering a break from the intensity of modern machines while still demanding precision and skill.

Metallica (Pro) by Stern (2013): Rock and roll meets pinball in the Metallica (Pro) machine. This game is a headbanger’s dream, with fast, frenetic gameplay and some of the band’s biggest hits blasting through the speakers. The machine’s design is all about speed and flow, with ramps and loops that keep the ball moving at lightning pace. Special features like the electric chair multiball and Snake Jaw toy add layers of excitement, making each game a high-energy experience. During the tournament, players who could keep up with the machine’s relentless tempo were rewarded with big scores and bigger smiles.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (2018): Another musical masterpiece, Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast is as epic as the band’s legendary albums. This machine is known for its complex rule set and multiple pathways to high scores, requiring both strategic thinking and quick reflexes. The playfield is packed with challenging shots, from the Pharaoh’s Tomb to the Trooper multiball, each one more satisfying than the last. Players who could navigate the beastly challenges of this machine during the tournament were the true champions, conquering modes that are as legendary as the band itself.

Hail to the Champions: Celebrating the Tucson Timed Match Play Winners

Let’s raise our flippers to the top performers of the Tucson Timed Match Play @TISC! Ben Clement from Marana, AZ, took home the gold, proving why he’s ranked 7th in the state and 116th nationally. With 387 IFPA events under his belt, Ben’s experience and cool-headed play shone through, making him the undeniable champion of the night. Close on his heels was Derek Jordan, who secured second place with precision and consistency, demonstrating why he’s a formidable player despite his 186th state rank. In third place, the tournament’s organizer, Wayne Saeger, showed that not only can he put on a great event, but he can also dominate the playfield, adding another impressive performance to his 375 IFPA events. And let’s not forget Robert Noble, who, despite being the underdog with a 224th state rank, fought hard and earned a well-deserved fourth place. These players brought their A-game, showcasing the skill, strategy, and sheer love for pinball that makes this community so special.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up the Fun

What a night! The Tucson Timed Match Play @TISC was a true celebration of skill, strategy, and love for the silver ball. A big shoutout to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run tournament and to the Tucson Indoor Sports Center for hosting us all. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, this tournament reminded us all of the thrill that pinball brings. Until next time, keep those flippers hot and your aim true!