Madison Pinball Spring Classic> Madison, WI

[chaos]

While I was out playing at Schwoegler's this weekend, a whole bunch of tiny humans kept running up to the machines and wanting to play (one of them was even chanting "buttons! buttons!" as her friend lured her back to bowling). I gave a few of our free games to them, and a couple of them were really into it. One of them was actually quite good and I talked to his mother for a while.

What do you think of saying that kids can play the Spring Classic for free? I think it would be a great way to get both kids and parents playing, and I would be very happy to front the money for them in order to make this happen. I'm on a big kick right now, trying to get more people involved in playing, both in Madison and in general. Tournaments in this sort of format are a great, low pressure way to suck in new folks.

When I was in Pittsburgh for the State Championships, I spent a long time talking to some of the PPL organizers, and the head of new women's league there. They've done something similar for their leagues this season, saying that anyone unranked, or below 1500, can play the season for free. As of the last newsletter, they're at an unprecedented 174 players this season (beating their previous record by 50, and only five weeks in).

[Hilton]

I love it Maya. Not much I enjoy more than seeing smiling new faces playing the games and enjoyiong pinball!

How about this? >> Every new to competitive pinball (no previous IFPA event) player can play for free in the spring classic.

So long as they turn in a score on all 12 games, then I will pay their entry fee out of my own pocket to seed the prize pool for them.

They still need to register prior to playing (to be fair to everyone else), but I will cover the fee.

sound good?

[chaos]

That sounds awesome! Thanks, Hilton. I'm really excited about this.

[Hilton]

9 people signed up currently. Trophies/plaques ordered and will go through 6th place. I will post pictures once they arrive. I think they should turn out pretty cool. Keep in mind that free play party also priovided for all participants and Schwoegler's is also providing a bowling party as a prize.

Games are getting tuned up this week and Tee'd Off is leaving later this week to be replaced with something new.

All 12 games will be used (8 at Schwoegler's and 4 at Pooley's) for the spring classic. If you are already signed up then expect an email from me this weekend with instructions.

It will be the same as FWTG in general terms.

Play all games, take photos of high scores, turning scores by end of month with photos to show your scores.
HSTD to will be reset prior to the start to help people track where they stand in the month long event.

Event will currently grade out at ~68% TGP for IFPA purposes. Assuming people in top positions following qualfying opt for a playoof during the party then the event will increase to 100% TGP for IFPA purposes.

[Hilton]

12 people now signed up.

Trophies for the top 6 people plus lots of other great prizes!

Spring Classic starts this Sunday so get signed up to start competing.
Please remind other to sign up also. I know many regular players don't frequent the forums.

[nardmacmke]

Just signed up.

[Hilton]

14 People now signed up. I sent an email blast to all preregistered people.

Keep signing up and get your friends in on the fun also.

note: WWE code drop is expected very soon and we will update that game as soon as available. Please plan your playing accordingly and thanks for your understanding.

[Hilton]

16 people signed up.

HSTD reset at Pooley's late last night
HSTD will be reset at Schwoegs today

This will help all to keep track and see how you measure up as the month progresses. I hope people will also use the photo thread to make the event a bit more interactive like last time.

[TheDru]

Only time for 2 games on lunch....but someone has to take this think out of the barn

[Hilton]

Nice Dru

Please use the Photo Thread up top of the events subforum for photos and braggings.

http://www.wisconsinpinball.com/viewtop ... f=23&t=485

Tim kindly set that one up so people should not even need to log in to post.

[TheDru]

Oops! Just found photo thread. Cleverly hidden @ the top of the posts. Will use for the rest of my GC s.

[Hilton]

Spring Classic is off to a great start. 17 people signed up currently. Tell your friends, tell your sister, tell your wife, tell your kids. All are welcome and can sign up at anytime during the month.

From what I have seen, already some solid scores being put up.

[Hilton]

new WWE code dropped today and should be updated this evening (thanks Sean).

Wanted to keep Spring Classic people informed first.

[u2sean]

WWE code has been updated with the latest 1.11 code! Just a quick game to make sure it still worked, and I noticed that flippers are a bit stronger, the ropes up top will on occasion automatically fire for you (I think this has to do with what wrestler / mode you're in) some sounds and video are different. Have fun!

[Hilton]

More fun stuff.

Here is what you are all playing for. Trophies for the top 6 finishers. Pints and other prizes also. Also, the big prize is the bowling party donated by Schwoegler's