Have you ever driven down Las Vegas Boulevard and seen the big sign “PINBALL” on a large warehouse-like building? I had seen it as well and although the big sign is a bit garish, another fancier sign out front says “Pinball Hall of Fame.” So last Wednesday I went inside he big building with the big sign.

Wow.

I had never been a pinball player so have never seen so any pinball machines in one location–ever–and sadly, I didn’t know which machines were the rarest. However, even though it was a weekday, some folks did know their machines and I was surprised at so many adults very interested in playing the games. On any given day, it is possible to see children of all ages (4-99) and ethncities playing the games.

Previous coverage of the Pinball Hall of Fame published on Living-Las-Vegas:
“Pinball Wizards” by Megan Edwards (March 26, 2008)
“Pinball Hall of Fame” by Michael Dickman (October 30, 2009)
“The Pinball Hall of Fame has Moved!” by Michael Dickman (November 28, 2009)

A sign at the entrance says behavior inside is important and asks for “No screaming, running, hopping, skipping, swinging arms, bouncing balls and roughhousing.” So yes, there were children as well, but obviously this collection of pinball and other machines had an appeal particularly for men and women who as boys & girls, spent time with pin ball and video games.

Entry to the Hall of Fame is free and machine play typically costs 25 or 50 cents. (Actually, the machines cost what it would have cost when they were brand new. Some can be played for as little as a nickle.) A small gift shop sells souvenirs as well. There are dozens of volunteers who assist the owner in keeping the machines working.

The 25,000 square foot Pinball Hall of Fame moved to this building in April of 2021. A man named Tim Arnold who, at one time, owned arcades in several places in Michigan, is the force that keeps this venue open. His Hall of Fame is a non-profit museum that after expenses donates its profits to the Salvation Army. There are more than 300 working pinball machines in the facility. Tim’s original collection of vintage pinball machines numbered more than 1000 when we moved to Las Vegas for retirement.

I recommend anyone with a curiosity about Las Vegas to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame. The Hall is open Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m. until 9 p.m and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Parking is free. I had a great time walking around and talking with players. In the back of the building are parts and partially repaired machines that the volunteers work on nearly daily. My photos are below: