Tallahassee’s Nostalgic Arcade Flourishes as a Community Hub

News Summary

Flippin’ Great Pinball in Tallahassee, Florida, has become a cherished gathering spot for locals since its opening in 2016. Despite challenges from COVID-19 and storm damage, the arcade offers a wide range of vintage and modern games, thriving through community support and engagement. The founders have successfully evolved the space into a vibrant center for events and gaming, ensuring quality entertainment for all ages.

Tallahassee’s Nostalgic Arcade Thrives Amid Challenges

Flippin’ Great Pinball, a unique arcade located at 632-2 Railroad Square in Tallahassee, Florida, is flourishing as a beloved community hub. Since its opening in 2016, the arcade has established itself as a gathering point for local residents, offering an extensive array of over 70 vintage and modern games and catering to a wide audience ranging from children to nostalgic adults. The ongoing support from the community has been pivotal, especially in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent storm damage.

The Founders and Evolution

Founded by Rob McDole, Adam Kessell, Ryan Stone, and Lawrence Brown, Flippin’ Great Pinball began as a repair workshop known as Arcade Age before evolving into the arcade experience it is today. The owners, all passionate collectors and tinkerers, recognized the power of community joy during local events like First Fridays, which inspired them to create a space that brought people together through gaming.

Game Selection and Experience

The arcade’s impressive collection includes cherished classics such as Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man, alongside contemporary pinball machines like Godzilla, Deadpool, and Foo Fighters. Additionally, popular rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution, Chunithm, and Sound Voltex attract a diverse crowd, enhancing the arcade’s appeal across generations. The owners are committed to maintaining the high quality of the games by restoring machines to ensure they perform like new, unlike many other establishments where machines often face maintenance issues.

Community Engagement and Events

Flippin’ Great Pinball has become a crucial part of the community by hosting a variety of events. The arcade features regular activities like the Capital Area Pinball Tournament, Kids Play Free Thursdays, Student Wednesdays, and $5 First Fridays. Other popular events include retro swap meets, fighting game tournaments, and summer camps. The owners also engage with their audience through a podcast called Podouken, further solidifying the arcade’s presence within the community.

Adapting to Challenges

Despite facing significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Flippin’ Great Pinball successfully adapted by pivoting to private reservations while implementing strict cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of patrons. This proactive approach allowed the arcade to survive during a tumultuous time. Moreover, the owners expanded their space by moving to a larger location next door, enabling them to continue serving the community and attracting more visitors even amidst difficulties.

Operational Details

The arcade operates from Wednesday through Sunday, with varying hours for each day. For those looking to enjoy the arcade experience, the cost is $7.99 per person for one hour of play, with a minimum requirement of two persons for reservations. Effective hygiene protocols are in place to maintain cleanliness, with thorough sanitizing conducted on all games between reservations.

The Importance of Community Support

Flippin’ Great Pinball’s success is deeply rooted in the strong ties and significant support it receives from the community and its patrons, as well as from previous team members. The owners emphasize the importance of this backing, particularly in times of hardship, such as following the recent storm damage that impacted Railroad Square. As they continue to navigate challenges, the arcade maintains its focus on community well-being and engagement, proving that even in tough situations, a cherished local hub can thrive.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Pinball Paradise Lights Up the Back of Railroad Square
• WTXL: Flippin’ Great Pinball Arcade Offering Socially Distanced Entertainment
• FSU News: Must-Know Upcoming Events in Tallahassee
• Tallahassee.com: Railroad Square Cleans Up After Tornadoes
• WTXL: Businesses in Railroad Square and Tornado Recovery