Pinball Expo?

[pinballwizard79]

I am putting some serious thought into attending the Chicago pinball expo this October.

Its not cheap to attend so I am reluctant.

$290 to go to the seminars, factory tour & everything else + $510 for the hotel....thats before food, booze, gas from STL burbs to CHI burbs (700 mi round trip).

---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- man thats like $1,250.00!!!!!!!!!!!

I could buy 2-3 sit down racers or a fair pinball machine (prices are low these days).

Has anyone went? Was last year good? Do they get better or worse? Was it worth $1,250?

[Pinball Wizard]

I went once before back in the 80's and it was good then, haven't been since. I am looking to go this year since I haven't been in forever but more importantly it is the 25th anniversary.  You say $290 for the cost, I guess you have to take the wife or a child?

[ChadTower]

I almost went to the one in PA this year.  The fact that I couldn't take much home with me without renting a vehicle, plus that my wife wanted to go but we'd have to spend two days there and the rest of the time somewhere else, stopped me.

I might go next year and just take the kids.  Vehicle is no longer an issue. 

[Pinball Wizard]

@Chadtower: Which one in PA? Allentown or York? Allentown is more commercial show than York. York show also has more working machines and more are on freeplay than Allentown.

I am all for the Pinball Expo but I have to find the money to go. I like the atmosphere that is there and playing all the games and maybe joining the competition.

[ChadTower]

@Chadtower: Which one in PA? Allentown or York? Allentown is more commercial show than York. York show also has more working machines and more are on freeplay than Allentown.

Allentown.  Didn't really look at York and I forget why.

[meany]

I go every year.  I live in the area.  Last years venue was definitely an upgrade.  Sweet hotel.  I just go on Friday night.  I show up when the doors open at 6 pm.  I usually leave about 1 or 2am.  That's all you really need.  Addmission is $15 and a red roof inn for one night is $70.  For less than $100 just go and see what it's about on the cheap and if you like it pay full price the next year.

[ChadTower]

...$100 + transportation cost.

[pinballwizard79]

I decided not to go.....far too much cost just to play the same machines I play every month @ CP's for $10.

Thats like a 10-year membership to Chucks.

[LLUncoolJ]

I went and picked my ToM up yesterday. I bought it from Rob Craig in Marion, IL. He said they are going to do a show down there in the near future...not sure of the date. I thought about punking Flake into carpooling down there...only about 2 hours (for us, PW79 probably needs to add a half hour). He's a pretty cool cat, I'll see if I can find out the date. I got to play his Cirqus Voltaire and might I say, it lives up to the hype. Now that I have ToM, next on the wishlist is either CV or TOTAN.

[Jeff AMN]

I'm 50/50 on going right now. I've never been, and this year might work out for me to be able to as I have some good vacation time saved up, a free flight voucher, and my wife isn't working anymore so her schedule won't conflict with any dates.

I'd love to go, but wonder if I'd just rather have another machine.