The Pinball Arcade Museum Opens in Downtown St. Pete Next Month
/Get ready to relive your childhood at a new arcade coming soon to Downtown St. Pete. The Pinball Arcade Museum will be booting up at 2313 Central Avenue on August 1st.
The 2,000 square foot space will be filled with around 60 pinball and arcade machines from the ’80’s and ’90’s. Expect to see pinball classics like The Addams Family, Cyclone, Gilligan's Island and South Park and popular arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Moon Patrol, and Smash TV.
You won’t need to carry around a pocket full of dirty quarters or tokens either — all machines will be set to Free Play. Instead, a $15 admission fee will give gamers an all-day pass to the arcade. A wristband will allow re-entry, so feel free to grab some food and come back.
If you’re looking for a little competition, The Pinball Arcade Museum will be hosting tournaments and leagues throughout the year. And if you want to throw your own party, the space will also be available to rent. Who will be the first to hold their wedding reception at the arcade? And can I have an invite?
The owner, Andy Kline, has been in the arcade business for 40 years and has amassed a huge collection of games. The machines featured at the Pinball Arcade Museum only represent a small portion of his collection.
“I’m so excited to bring the Pinball Arcade Museum to St. Pete,” says Kline. “It’ll be Downtown St. Pete’s only classic arcade and the Grand Central District’s artsy culture is the perfect fit.”
“And none of this could have happened without the hard work and knowledge of our Managing Partner/General Manager Karen Ann Holland,” continues Kline. “She has been very instrumental from day one getting this Museum going and will continue to be involved in the daily operations.”
But wait! Didn’t your mother tell you that video games fry your brain? Well, at least you will be supporting a good cause. The Pinball Arcade Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will benefit local charities, such as Kline’s other nonprofit, The Odessa Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary. The rescue center was founded in 1992 by Kline and his partner. Since then, it has grown to span 5 acres of land dedicated to the well being, security, love and daily hands-on care of over 350 animals.
Operating hours will be seven days a week from 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 11 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on their Grand Opening.