Latest news with #pinball
CBC
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
A trip back in time at the Canadian Pinball Museum
Friends and longtime pinball players Mike Loftus and Rob Illuiri have opened a museum to their favourite pastime in Alfred, Ont.
CTV News
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘This is like a dream': B.C. man who worked with Hollywood stars becomes champion pinball player
Robert Gagno plays pinball on one of his machines. (CTV News) BURNABY, B.C. — As Kathy Gagno looks back at pictures from when her son worked with John Travolta as a baby double on Look Who's Talking Too, she recalls how the movie's other star Kirstie Alley asked her a concerning question. 'She asked me if I'd ever had Robert's hearing tested,' Kathy says. The actor had noticed her son was acting differently than other kids on the set and thought his unique mannerisms were like people in her family who were deaf. But rather than struggling to hear, Robert was eventually diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. 'I tried to find out all the information I could,' Kathy says, recalling those pre-internet days. 'That's how I coped with it.' Instead of trying to fix a perceived problem, Kathy and her husband were compelled to support their son's unique potential, which led Robert to discover pinball. 'Wow! Is this some real cool high-tech toy?' Robert recalls wondering after playing his first pinball machine at a local restaurant with his dad when he was five. 'It felt adventurous.' An adventure where — after eventually learning how to make the ball go wherever he wanted it to go — Robert was the hero. 'The excitement is always fun for me,' Robert smiles. 'It makes me feel in the zone.' Over the next decade, Robert's remarkable talent transformed the pinball-loving boy into a real-life pinball wizard. 'It was kind of like the autism would disappear, he was so focused on the machine,' Kathy says. 'He would attract people, and he seemed to enjoy it.' Robert proved so passionate about pinball, and so good at playing the games, he started amassing almost a dozen machines in his garage and started winning tournaments on both sides of the border, before entering the world championships as a contender. 'This ball could be worth like $10,000 American,' Robert recalls with a smile, thinking about how he felt at the start of the tournament. 'This is like a dream.' A dream that, after competing against the best pinball players on the planet, Robert made a reality by winning the worlds. 'It felt really cool to be called 'world champion,'' Robert beams. 'Also, we have a beautiful trophy in the house.' While Robert continues to win tournaments, is embraced by the pinball community, and has earned fans around the globe, Kathy is most grateful that her unique boy has grown-up to become such a happy man. 'When he smiles, his whole face lights up,' Kathy says. 'And to see that, that's what makes me most proud.'
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The Pinball Palace Announces National Recognition as One of the Largest Family-Friendly Pinball Arcades in the U.S.
The Pinball Palace evolves from personal passion project to a nationally recognized pinball destination, offering vintage and modern machines with family-focused access. United States, May 27, 2025 -- From Garage Hobby to National Spotlight The Pinball Palace, founded by Kelley Daniel, has officially announced its emergence as one of the largest and most respected pinball arcades in the United States. What began over eight years ago in Daniel's personal garage has since evolved into a public entertainment venue that celebrates pinball's legacy while modernizing the arcade experience for contemporary audiences. Initially created to house a growing personal collection of restored pinball machines, The Pinball Palace opened its doors to the public in 2017 after Daniel acquired a commercial space. The venue now houses one of the most extensive and diverse pinball machine collections in the country, attracting both families and competitive players. The business is family-operated by Daniel, his wife Karen, and their son Nick, who currently holds the 13th ranked position among competitive pinball players in Georgia. A Living Museum of Pinball and Arcade Culture The Pinball Palace has become a living archive of pinball history. With working machines dating back to 1955 and including new releases still being manufactured today, the venue represents decades of mechanical and digital gaming evolution. Unlike many arcades that have phased out pinball machines due to their high maintenance requirements, The Pinball Palace embraces the technical complexity. 'Our guests are drawn to the authenticity of the machines and the way we maintain them,' said Kelley Daniel, Owner of The Pinball Palace. 'Most arcades avoid pinball because of the upkeep, but we thrive on it. That dedication makes all the difference.' The venue also includes vintage arcade games and bounce houses, creating a complete family recreation space that appeals across generations. IFPA Tournaments Strengthen Competitive Profile The Pinball Palace holds monthly tournaments sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA), further establishing its role within the competitive pinball circuit. These events attract seasoned players and newcomers alike, contributing to the growing popularity of organized pinball competitions in the Southeast region of the U.S. Daniel's son Nick plays an active role not only in the family business but also in the tournament scene, representing the venue on the competitive circuit. Reimagining Arcade Access With an Inclusive Model In a notable departure from traditional coin-operated arcades, The Pinball Palace operates on a flat-rate model. Guests pay by the hour or for the entire day, allowing unrestricted access to the machines during their visit. This model has received positive feedback from visitors and reviewers alike, many of whom cite it as a key factor in the venue's growing popularity. Reviews across digital platforms emphasize the accessibility, cleanliness, and machine quality—establishing The Pinball Palace as a top-tier venue for both locals and traveling enthusiasts. Honoring Nostalgia, Supporting the Future The announcement also highlights The Pinball Palace's core mission: preserving the cultural value of pinball while introducing the experience to new generations. As digital entertainment dominates home environments, venues like The Pinball Palace provide an interactive, communal experience that continues to resonate. 'What started as a love for arcades became a business driven by purpose,' said Daniel. 'We wanted to keep this tradition alive for future generations, and the community's response has been incredible.' The venue's continued expansion and national recognition reflect broader trends of nostalgia-driven recreation and renewed interest in tactile, shared entertainment formats. About The Pinball Palace Founded by Kelley Daniel and opened to the public in 2017, The Pinball Palace is a family-owned arcade based in Georgia. It features one of the nation's largest public pinball collections, with machines spanning seven decades, along with vintage arcade games and family-friendly attractions. The venue hosts monthly IFPA-sanctioned tournaments and is known for its dedication to machine quality and customer experience. Media Contact Kelley Daniel Owner, The Pinball Palace Phone: 912-265-9275 Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Kelley Daniel Email: Send Email Organization: The Pinball Palace Website: Release ID: 89160996 In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
