Imagine a vibrant, welcoming space where the hum of flippers, the ding of bumpers, and the satisfying roll of silver balls bring people together. Whether you’re a seasoned wizard chasing high scores or a newbie discovering the magic of pinball for the first time, there’s a place waiting for you—a haven dedicated entirely to the game, art, design, and excitement of pinball.

Picture this: a location filled wall-to-wall with a curated collection of pinball machines spanning decades. Classics from the golden age of the 70s and 80s. Iconic 90s machines bursting with character. And today’s cutting-edge titles packed with immersive soundtracks and dazzling light shows. All of it accessible, all of it maintained and celebrated by people who truly love the game.

This isn’t just an arcade. It’s a community. A cooperative space created by locals who share a common mission: to honor the skill, craftsmanship, and history of pinball while inspiring the next generation of players. With access for members, regular tournaments, leagues, workshops, and social events, this is more than a destination—it’s a home away from home.

Piggybacking on the success of cooperative models from cities across the U.S., the Austin Pinball Collective is poised to take a bold first step in redefining how our community experiences pinball. Launching as a one-year test project, this initiative will serve as a proving ground to see if the format resonates with players, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. Think of it as a “Pop-up,” but for much longer and dedicated to pinball—a vibrant, collaborative experiment designed to bring people together in the spirit of the game.

The plan is simple but ambitious: Start with a commercial space that’s affordable yet strategically chosen for accessibility and potential growth. This space will act as the launchpad—a welcoming environment packed with a diverse lineup of pinball machines from multiple eras, maintained and curated by a passionate team of local enthusiasts.

The Austin Pinball Collective is a flexible, community-driven hub where members can enjoy:

• Multi-day access to the machines for fun, practice, and skill-building.
• Special events like tournaments, league nights, and workshops, giving players of all levels a chance to connect and compete.
• Opportunities to learn and participate in the restoration and maintenance of machines, sharing knowledge and skills.

But what makes the Austin Pinball Collective truly unique is its collaborative spirit. By leveraging the cooperative model, this project will be more than just a place to play; it’ll be a grassroots movement where everyone has a stake in its success. Membership fees and community engagement will ensure sustainability, and feedback from members will help shape the future of the project.