Welcome to the Coin Slot Pinball League! This new format will launch on Monday nights weekly at The Coin Slot beginning October 12 at 7pm. Enjoy access to special merch, optional member packages that include unlimited free play on league nights, and the chance to win great prizes and IFPA points each season!
Each season will consist of 6 weeks of group match play, with a finals night on week 7. Each league night consists of 5 games (randomly selected arenas). All players who play at least 4 weeks in a season will qualify for finals. The top 50 percent of the field will qualify for A-tier finals, while the bottom 50 percent of the field will qualify for B-tier finals. Both will be played in a fast ladder format. All players will enjoy a pizza party on finals night, with the A-tier winner receiving a 2-week Coin Slot free play card and the B-tier winner receiving a 1-week Coin Slot free play card. The player who has the best ranking from the regular season heading into finals will receive a free league membership in the next season.
An optional league member package is available for $100 for season 1 and includes a league t-shirt (must sign up by October 5) and 1 free play card for every league date, which allows unlimited free play on all pinball and arcade games (7 dates/free play cards total). Come early and train, or stay after and play games with friends! In addition to this perk - which offers significant cost savings for players - league members will enjoy early access to new games, merch, special league parties and events, and more. Membership is not required to participate in league nights, and drop-ins are welcome. All skill levels are invited to play!
Coin Slot Pinball League Season 1
Dates: Every Monday October 12-November 23, 2026 at 7pm (finals held November 23)
Address: 346 East Front Street, Traverse City MI, 49684
Format: Weekly group match play of 5 games for 6 weeks, finals on week 7. A player's worst weekly score will be dropped, with only the top 5 scores counting toward end-of-season rankings/finals qualifiers. Must play 4 weeks to qualify for finals. Eligible finalists will be divided into A-tier and B-tier (top/bottom 50 percent of the field), fast ladder format, prizes for each tier winner.
Rules/FAQs
Q: Is the Coin Slot Pinball League sanctioned by the IFPA?
A: Yes, this is an IFPA league and will be eligible for IFPA points, which help players with official IFPA rankings and qualification for state tournaments.
Q: Will this replace Monday tournaments at The Coin Slot?
A: Yes. From a playing perspective, league nights run just like tournaments except there are no finals at the end of each night. There's only one finals night at the end of each season for qualifying players, which is played on week 7. Otherwise, just like the previous Monday tournaments, the format is a set number of group match play games on randomly assigned machines.
Q: Do I have to register in advance, or can I just drop in?
A: Advance registration is available, but drop-ins are always welcome. You must play at least 4 weeks in a season to qualify for finals. IFPA points are primarily awarded in the finals, so those focusing on points should focus on qualifying for and performing well in the finals. However, consistent weekly play will be rewarded with an end-of-season prize from The Coin Slot consisting of free entry into the next league season for the top league player. There is no entry fee to participate each week, but players are responsible for the cost of their games. Members will have free play cards that can be used for league games.
Q: How do I sign up for a league membership?
A: Memberships are $100 for season 1 and can be purchased at The Coin Slot or online at TheCoinSlotTC.com.
Q: What does a league membership get me?
A: Members who sign up for season 1 by October 5 will receive a custom league t-shirt in addition to 7 weeks of free play cards. Free play cards will be available for pick-up at the bar under the player's name on each league date and can be used from open to close on that date. Cards can be used on any Amusement Connect-enabled machines (ie pinball, arcade games, air hockey, and ice ball). Cards can't be used on claw/redemption games. League memberships are designed to encourage participation in pinball league events. Therefore, members must play at least 4 weeks in a season to be eligible to purchase a league membership the following season. Free play cards can be used on pinball/arcade machines once every three minutes.
Q: How can I keep track of my league scores?
A: Recaps will be posted weekly on the Coin Slot Pinball League Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as online at www.thecoinslottc.com/pinball.
Q: How do the finals work?
A: Finals are played on week 7 each season. All players who have played at least 4 weeks will be eligible for finals. The top 50 percent of eligible players will play in the A-tier finals, while the bottom 50 percent of eligible players will play in the B-tier finals. Finals are a fast ladder format. In this format, players are seeded on a "ladder" based on their regular season standings. Top-seed players receive byes in early rounds. Bottom-seeded players play each other, with two players eliminated per round. New matches are then created with the next highest up players on the ladder until four players are remaining for a final match. Prizes will be awarded for both A-tier and B-tier winners.
Q: What if I have a question or need help with the league?
A: Beth Milligan and Scott Pierson are tournament directors for the league and can help with any issues on-site. Ben Harris can also assist with scorekeeping and questions. If you have a question outside of league nights, email pinball@thecoinslottc.com.
Q: Are there any rules for behavior for league play?
A: Yes. The IFPA and The Coin Slot both endeavor to maintain an environment in which everyone is treated with respect, decency, and dignity. Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. The pinball community is a diverse group that invites and includes all people, regardless of their background, to fully engage in pinball competition. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments, deliberate intimidation/stalking/threats, unwanted physical contact or sexual attention, harassing electronic communications, and abusive handling of machines beyond normal play (slamming, damage, death saves, etc). Any such behavior should be reported to TDs and can result - depending on the severity of the behavior - in verbal warnings, disqualification, and/or removal from the premises. See the IFPA Player Conduct rules here.