Flipping Out at Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes

A Night to Remember in Madison

On a crisp January evening, pinball enthusiasts braved the Wisconsin chill to gather at Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes for the January 2025 Stern Army Tournament. With the clear skies outside contrasting the heated action inside, the 9-player showdown brought out the best of head-to-head competition. Organized by Michael Williams, the event featured a unique format with eight games per player and 11 machines in simultaneous play, creating a fast-paced and competitive round-robin battle. Clocking in at just over two and a half hours, the tournament packed plenty of excitement into a single night.

Where Bowling Meets Pinball Bliss

Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes, located at 444 Grand Canyon Drive in Madison, WI, is a beloved local hotspot. Known for its clean, well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere, Schwoegler’s is a go-to destination for bowling and pinball enthusiasts alike. Beyond the games, the venue shines with its menu of crowd-pleasers like pizza, cheeseburgers, and quesadillas, paired with the excellent hospitality of its staff. Whether it’s a casual game night or a competitive pinball tournament, Schwoegler’s delivers a vibrant and welcoming experience.

Pinball Spotlight: Foo Fighters and The Mandalorian

Of all the games in play, Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern emerged as the crowd favorite with four matches played. Released in March 2023, this machine is a perfect marriage of adrenaline-pumping gameplay and Stern’s signature design polish. The game’s music-driven theme is brought to life with vibrant colors, dynamic ramps, and a chaotic “Overlord” multiball sequence that demands quick reflexes.

Meanwhile, The Mandalorian (Pro) stood out for its marathon matches, with an average game time of 15 minutes. Released in May 2021, this machine immerses players in the Star Wars universe, complete with missions to protect Grogu (affectionately called Baby Yoda) and collect Beskar. Its upper mini-playfield and Razor Crest multiball are highlights that reward precise shots and strategic play.

Tournament Guide: The Machines That Made the Night

The tournament showcased 11 fantastic machines, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some highlights:

• Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): Designed by Brian Eddy, this machine pulls players into the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana. With a UV light kit that reveals hidden art, a Demogorgon bash toy, and fast-flowing ramps, it’s a game that mixes nostalgia with a touch of the supernatural.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2021): A loving remake of Bally’s classic Western-themed game, this machine pairs quirky humor with stellar mechanical design. Players must duel outlaws and corral cows while navigating smooth ramps and engaging modes.
• Theatre of Magic by Bally (1995): A timeless classic from John Popadiuk, this game enchants players with its magical theme, disappearing ball tricks, and captivating orbits. Its spellbinding design has earned it a spot among pinball’s greatest hits.
• Guns N’ Roses (LE) by Jersey Jack (2020): Designed by Eric Meunier, this machine turns every game into a live concert experience. With concert lighting effects, a wide array of music tracks, and an engaging use of the stage mechanism, it’s a feast for the senses.
• Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019): Keith Elwin’s thrilling design takes players on a dinosaur-filled adventure. Trapping raptors, rescuing workers, and dodging the T-Rex are just some of the challenges in this action-packed game.

Each machine brought its own flair to the tournament, ensuring players stayed on their toes with a variety of themes and gameplay styles.

Tournament Champions: Rising to the Top

The January Stern Army Tournament crowned Jeff McDonough as its champion. With a state ranking of 76th and an impressive 100 IFPA events under his belt, Jeff’s consistency and experience carried him to the top.

Second place went to Madison’s own Trae Vance, whose state rank of 27th and wealth of experience across 208 IFPA events made him a formidable competitor. Roger Wolkoff, also from Madison, claimed third place with strategic play honed over 155 events, reinforcing his reputation as one of the area’s strongest players. Sean Spindler, another Madison local, rounded out the top four with a strong showing despite being a relative underdog, ranked 169th in the state.

Congratulations to all the competitors for their skill and determination in this thrilling tournament!

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Pinball and Good Times in Madison

A big thank you to Michael Williams for organizing the January 2025 Stern Army Tournament and to Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes for hosting this fantastic event. Congratulations once again to Jeff McDonough for his stellar performance! Stay tuned for the latest pinball news, and don’t miss the next tournament action—it’s sure to be another thrilling ride through ramps, loops, and multiballs!