STATE COLLEGE — The action at Axemann Brewery on May the 4th didn’t involve baseball bats or soccer balls, but rather flippers, flashing lights and a silver ball that never stops moving. In celebration of Star Wars Day, Silverball Sundays hosted a themed pinball tournament that brought together competitors, collectors and curious newcomers for an afternoon of spirited play.
Seventeen players participated in the six-round tournament, enjoying extended time on machines and plenty of prize giveaways. The event featured 10 pinball machines, three with Star Wars themes and a format welcoming to all skill levels.
Every flip, bumper hit, and multiball mode drew cheers from a supportive crowd, many of whom were experiencing competitive pinball for the first time.
Silverball Sundays is a monthly tournament series directed by Joe Schall, who is better known to locals as “Pinball Joe.” It’s part of a growing movement in Centre County and beyond to bring competitive pinball into the spotlight. The events follow International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) rules and are designed to accommodate everyone from seasoned players to kids barely tall enough to see the flippers.
“We’re not just about competition,” Janusz Walter who helped Schall in organizing the tournament, said. “We’re about building community. Watching parents and kids get excited about a new game or helping someone beat their personal best. That’s what makes it special.”
The Star Wars theme proved to be a major draw, especially for younger participants and families. One six-year-old contestant walked away with a donated toy lightsaber, while the tournament champion earned a custom-framed Star Wars poster donated by Stern Pinball. But everyone left with prizes which included candy, comics, collectibles and plenty of high-fives.
The laid-back, welcoming nature of the event stood out to many players, who said Silverball Sundays strikes a rare balance between competitive intensity and casual fun. Several first-time visitors mentioned how friendly and supportive the group was throughout the tournament.
Pinball as a sport may be flying under the radar, but it demands a unique skill set which includes quick reflexes, deep machine knowledge and a feel for subtle physics that can’t be replicated in video games. While digital pinball exists, many longtime players say the experience of real machines, with their mechanical feedback and hands-on engagement, remains unmatched.
Beyond the tournament, the Star Wars Day event highlighted how theme and design play a role in pinball’s wide-reaching appeal. While veteran players may gravitate toward layout and rulesets, the theme often acts as an entry point for newcomers. Familiar franchises like Star Wars, Jaws or Jurassic Park draw curious fans, who may not consider themselves pinball players that is until they get hooked.
That kind of inclusive outreach is core to Silverball Sundays’ mission. The group regularly brings machines to public events and community spaces, offering free play and casual interaction. With approximately 40 student members and a growing number of local participants from State College, Bellefonte and surrounding towns, the league is quickly becoming one of Centre County’s most active grassroots sports communities.
Plans are already underway to host youth-specific tournaments later this year, which is part of an effort to nurture the next generation of pinball players. According to Schall and his crew, the goal isn’t just to compete, but to create a welcoming environment where kids and families can develop confidence and friendships through play.
Whether you’re chasing multiballs or just curious about the buzz, the Silverball Sundays’ crew welcomes newcomers with open arms and well-oiled flippers.
Silverball Sundays tournaments are typically held once a month at Axemann Brewery. For more information about future events or how to get involved, visit jschall99.wixsite.com/silverballsundays
