By M.G. Brown
Address: 3200 W. Le Moyne St., Stone Park, IL 60165
Website: www.pinballcapital.com
Phone: +1 (708) 731-3147
Hours: Closed Mondays; Tues-Thurs 3pm-10pm; Fri–Sun 11am-11pm.
Please consult the Pinball Map for the latest games available to play.
During my free partial day in the Chicago area before attending Stern Pinball’s reveal of their latest cornerstone game to the media, I took some time to visit the new ‘Capital’ of pinball in the Chicago suburbs, not far from O’Hare airport.
The Pinball Capital, which opened its doors in early April 2026 at 3200 W. Le Moyne St. in Stone Park, Illinois, isn’t just another arcade. It’s a full-blown cathedral dedicated to the clanging, flashing, glory of pinball.
With over 130 machines spanning more than seven decades of the game’s history, the 8,100-square-foot venue ranks among the largest pinball-centric arcades in the Midwest, and a top destination nationwide.
From a 1947 Gottlieb Humpty Dumpty to the latest Stern, Chicago Gaming, Spooky, and Jersey Jack titles such as Harry Potter, Rick and Morty, Pokémon, King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, and Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, the collection is staggering in both breadth and quality.
The following photos are representative of the over 130 games available in the ‘free play’ area of The Pinball Capital:
As you can see in these photos, there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy your experience.
The Pinball Capital (TPC) has two of the new Stern Transformers cornerstone games on order that are expected to be available to play in a few weeks.
I am always on the lookout for the pinball ‘unicorns’ and I was pleasantly surprised to find some during my visit.
TPC has one of the few Dragon (1977) games, produced by InterFlip of Spain, known to be in the United States. The below photos show some of the unique features of this game.
Also present is Gottlieb’s Extra Inning (1971) of which there were only 350 units manufactured. It is a Ed Krynski game that combines elements of pitch and bat and pinball. Pinball lore has it that this game was designed to be a way around New York’s restrictive laws regarding pinball operation.
For instance, the machine displays ‘innings’ instead of the more conventional ‘ball in play’. The ball is shot onto the playfield from between the flippers when the right flipper button is pressed.
It was a shame that the Skipper (1933) table top game was not available for play. It was interesting to look at nonetheless.
The timing of their grand opening was no accident. April 2, 2026, marked the 50th anniversary of Roger C. Sharpe’s legendary demonstration before the New York City Council, where he proved pinball was a game of skill, not chance—helping remove decades-long bans in major cities.
Sharpe himself attended the opening, screened the documentary Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game, and also participated in a machine giveaway.
Pinball Capital has games on-hand designed by Sharpe prominently placed on the game floor for the event, including Game Plan’s Sharpshooter (1979) and Sharpshooter II (1983).
The man behind Pinball Capital is Francis Wisniewski, a well known figure in the pinball community and former co-owner of The Kickback in Middleton, Wisconsin.
Wisniewski poured significant resources into the venture – described in community circles as a “seven-figure gamble” – to create a destination worthy of Chicago’s historic claim as the Pinball Capital of the World since the 1930s, when companies such as Bally, Williams, and Gottlieb dominated the industry.
Entry to The Pinball Capital is straightforward and generous. $20 gets you a wristband good for unlimited play the entire day. For the truly devoted, a $125 monthly membership offers near-unlimited access with discounted tournament entry. Special deals include half-off admission for women on Tuesdays and industry professionals on Wednesdays.
Only want to knock out a few quick games? There is an independent ‘coin drop’ room that does not require an all-day admission and games are paid for à la carte.
The venue strikes a balance between casual fun and competitive passion. League nights run on Thursdays, ‘Weekly Strikes’ tournaments on Fridays, and larger events like the upcoming Silverball Super Showdown (June 26–28) draw serious players. Open play continues even during tournaments, keeping the space welcoming for families, date nights, and curious first-timers.
Wisniewski says that IPFA tournaments and Stern Army events will be hosted by The Pinball Capital in the summer of 2026 and going forward.
The machines are meticulously maintained, with on-site technicians, a dedicated repair area, and a QR-code ‘broken game’ reporting system ensuring quick fixes – critical for keeping high-end titles in tournament-ready condition.
The Pinball Capital positions itself as a community hub rather than the typical dank and noisy arcade. Their space is bright and welcoming and emphasizes inclusivity, with events designed for players of all ages and skill levels. It’s family-friendly yet serious enough to attract expert players.
Located near the village hall, the venue sits in a transitional area of Stone Park that has seen revitalization efforts. While some online sceptics raised eyebrows about the location, early feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the massive selection, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
While The Pinball Capital doesn’t offer any food on-site, their location is near Menards as well as several restaurants. If you purchase an entry wristband, you are welcome to leave for refreshments and then return for more pinball at your leisure.
Whether you’re jonesing for a high score rush, hunting for that elusive multi-ball frenzy, or simply wanting to soak up the lights and sounds of mechanical Americana, this is the new must-visit destination just minutes from the Chicago loop and O’Hare airport.
