# MIDWEST GAMING CLASSIC 2019 **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2019-04-23 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/04/23/midwest-gaming-classic-2019 --- ## Analysis Comprehensive coverage of Midwest Gaming Classic 2019 (April 13-14) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, highlighting the event's growth from ~100 attendees in 2002 to 7,000+ in 2018 across 150,000+ sq ft. Major pinball announcements included Jersey Jack Pinball's North American launch of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The event featured extensive playable games from all major manufacturers (Stern, JJP, Chicago Gaming, Spooky, American Pinball), seminars with industry figures, and multiple pinball tournaments. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] MGC grew from ~100 attendees in 2002 to 7,000+ paid attendees in 2018 — _Pinball News article citing event organizer data and historical growth trajectory_ - [HIGH] Jersey Jack Pinball launched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to North America on Friday Night of MGC 2019 — _Direct event coverage with photo evidence and observation of gameplay_ - [MEDIUM] Willy Wonka scores observed were quite low (40,000 points being remembered as high during observation period) — _Reviewer observation while waiting in line; subjective assessment of difficulty/scoring_ - [MEDIUM] Circus Maximus is producing a Kingpin remake (Mark Ritchie-designed) after only 9 original Capcom units were produced — _Show report citing team communication; prototype displayed at MGC 2019_ - [MEDIUM] American Pinball's Oktoberfest and Houdini games drew the most sustained interest among general public attendees — _Reviewer observation; games played continuously until show power cut at 8pm Saturday_ - [HIGH] Ernie Hudson has two pinballs in his personal collection, including Stern's Ghostbusters — _Direct statement by Ernie Hudson during his seminar at MGC 2019_ - [HIGH] MGC 2019 used 150,000+ square feet of space at Wisconsin Center — _Event specification in review; cited as exceeding previous show footprints_ - [HIGH] Tim Sexton and Steve Richie participated in panel discussing Williams' 1980 Black Knight launch in France and design process for Stern's new Black Knight game — _Seminar schedule and reviewer attendance; photo evidence provided_ ### Notable Quotes > "The scores were quite low – 40,000 points being what we remember as being a high game during the time we were in line." > — **Pinball News reviewer (Terri and author)**, Not specified > _Early commentary on Willy Wonka difficulty/scoring balance at launch reveal_ > "He has two pinballs in his personal collection, including Stern's Ghostbusters." > — **Ernie Hudson (during MGC 2019 seminar)**, Not specified > _Celebrity endorsement/interest in pinball hobby_ > "I am told that the team at Circus Maximus are putting their re-make into production, so finally everyone can enjoy playing this Mark Ritchie-designed game." > — **Pinball News reviewer**, Not specified > _Confirmation of Kingpin remake production status_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Midwest Gaming Classic (MGC) | event | Annual gaming convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; grew from ~100 attendees in 2002 to 7,000+ by 2018; held at Wisconsin Center; major pinball industry and community gathering | | Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) | company | Pinball manufacturer; announced and launched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at MGC 2019 Friday night as North American premiere; also displayed The Wizard of Oz Yellow Brick Road edition | | Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer; showcased Black Knight: Sword of Rage (new title), The Munsters, and other recent releases at MGC 2019 in partnership with Marco Specialties | | Chicago Gaming Company | company | Pinball manufacturer with large MGC 2019 presence; displayed remake versions of Attack From Mars and Monster Bash | | Spooky Pinball | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer; displayed Total Nuclear Annihilation and Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle at MGC 2019 | | American Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer; exhibited Oktoberfest: Pinball On Tap and Houdini at MGC 2019; reported to have drawn most sustained interest from general public attendees | | Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory | game | Jersey Jack Pinball's new title; premiered and launched at MGC 2019 on Friday night; available in three versions (Pro/Premium/LE implied); all three versions playable at show | | Black Knight: Sword of Rage | game | Stern Pinball's new title showcased at MGC 2019; panel discussion featuring Tim Sexton and Steve Richie on design process and connection to Williams' 1980 original Black Knight | | Kingpin (Circus Maximus remake) | game | Circus Maximus producing remake of Mark Ritchie-designed Capcom game (only 9 originals produced); prototype displayed at MGC 2019 | | Marco Specialties | company | Pinball parts distributor; partnered with Stern Pinball to showcase Black Knight and other Stern titles at MGC 2019 | | Ernie Hudson | person | Actor; delivered well-attended seminar at MGC 2019 on his acting career and personal enthusiasm for video games and pinball; owns two pinball machines including Stern's Ghostbusters | | Tim Sexton | person | Pinball industry figure; participated in panel discussion at MGC 2019 on Williams' 1980 Black Knight launch in France and design of Stern's new Black Knight | | Steve Richie | person | Legendary pinball designer; participated in panel discussion at MGC 2019 on Black Knight games and design process | | Butch Patrick | person | TV actor (Eddie Munster); MGC 2019 guest; observed playing Stern's The Munsters pinball game | | Harold Johnson | person | Speaker at MGC 2019; delivered presentation on TSR's Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game development in early 1970s at GenCon in Lake Geneva, WI | | Ted DiBiase | person | WWE Legend; presented complimentary drink vouchers at MGC 2019 VIG After Party | | The Wizard of Oz (Yellow Brick Road edition) | game | Jersey Jack Pinball title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle | game | Spooky Pinball title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | Total Nuclear Annihilation | game | Spooky Pinball title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | The Munsters | game | Stern Pinball title (relatively new at time of MGC 2019); displayed at show; Butch Patrick observed playing | | Attack From Mars | game | Chicago Gaming Company remake title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | Monster Bash | game | Chicago Gaming Company remake title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | Oktoberfest: Pinball On Tap | game | American Pinball title; multiple units displayed at MGC 2019; reported as most continuously played by general public | | Houdini | game | American Pinball title; displayed at MGC 2019 | | Wisconsin Center | event_venue | MGC 2019 location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 400 W Wisconsin Ave; provided 150,000+ square feet for event | ### Topics - **Primary:** Major pinball game launches and announcements, Midwest Gaming Classic 2019 event coverage, Pinball manufacturer presence and competition - **Secondary:** Pinball tournaments and competitive play, Celebrity/public figure involvement in pinball, Pinball aftermarket vendors and accessories - **Mentioned:** Event logistics and attendee experience, Gaming industry history and seminars ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.85) — Consistently favorable review of MGC 2019 event quality, manufacturing presence, game selection, and attendee experience. Positive commentary on specific titles (American Pinball's engagement), seminars, and hospitality. Only minor negative: low attendance at Harold Johnson's D&D seminar. Some mild frustration with weather delays at end of article but unrelated to event itself. ### Signals - **[community_signal]** MGC 2019 seminars demonstrated strong industry participation with legendary designers (Steve Richie, Tim Sexton) and celebrities (Ernie Hudson) engaged in community education (confidence: high) — Multiple well-attended seminars; photo documentation of participants; Ernie Hudson seminar noted as 'best attended' - **[event_signal]** MGC 2019 attendance and scale represents significant growth milestone; event now claims largest gaming enthusiast/trade show status outside Las Vegas (confidence: high) — 7,000+ paid attendees (2018), 150,000+ sq ft space, growth from ~100 in 2002 - **[event_signal]** Midwest Gaming Classic 2019 confirmed as major industry gathering with Jersey Jack Pinball using it as primary North American launch venue for Willy Wonka (confidence: high) — JJP announced and launched Willy Wonka at MGC 2019 Friday night; all three versions playable at show - **[market_signal]** American Pinball's Oktoberfest and Houdini games demonstrated sustained consumer interest/engagement surpassing major competitors' titles at MGC 2019 (confidence: medium) — Reviewer observation that American Pinball's modest three-game display 'drew the most interest among general public' with constant play until power cut at 8pm Saturday - **[announcement]** Circus Maximus Kingpin remake entering production after display of prototype at MGC 2019 (confidence: medium) — Reviewer states 'I am told that the team at Circus Maximus are putting their re-make into production' with prototype available for play - **[announcement]** Stern Pinball officially revealed Black Knight: Sword of Rage at MGC 2019 with design panel featuring Tim Sexton and Steve Richie (confidence: high) — New title on display with moderate wait times; dedicated seminar panel on design process and historical Black Knight connection --- ## Transcript **Date:** 13th & 14th April, 2019 **Location:** Wisconsin Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave.,Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA Welcome to Pinball News review of the 2019 Midwest Gaming Classic (MGC) held annually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. [![The show logo](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/001-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/001-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The MGC logo seemed to be everywhere in Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI is a wonderfully interesting and diverse city. It has the vibe of a larger U.S. city such as New York or Philadelphia while maintaining the heritage and customs of the Central Europeans who migrated to Milwaukee in the 1840’s. Milwaukee is bordered on the east by the vast Lake Michigan (one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in the world with a volume of 1,180 cu mi) and on the west by relatively flat terrain and farmland. Milwaukee has three major waterways that flow inland from Lake Michigan; the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic and the Milwaukee. Smaller rivers, such as the Root River and Lincoln Creek also run through the city. It’s easy to understand with the many freshwater rivers, why Milwaukee became famous for its adult beverage businesses. Milwaukee has a excellent range of arts and entertainment, such as the Milwaukee Art Museum on the lakefront, the recently remodeled Harley-Davidson Motor Company Museum, The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (also known as “The Domes”), The Captain Frederic Pabst Mansion, and The Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear to name but a sampling. Downtown Milwaukee has a good selection of beautiful boutique hotels such as The Pfister and The Knickerbocker in addition to more famous chains. It seems like everywhere that you turn there is a charming restaurant, tavern or night club to visit; especially in the rapidly gentrifying Walker’s Point and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods. The MGC has been able to negotiate special ‘show’ rates with three of the hotels surrounding their location in the Wisconsin Center. All three hotels have “skyway” access to the show, so there is no need to expose yourself to the often times uncomfortable mid-April Wisconsin Carl Weathers (more on that later). The special show rates save quite a bit of money so if you are planning a trip to the MGC in 2020, I’d strongly advise making your hotel reservations as soon as your travel plans have been settled. The MGC began as *Jag2k1* in 2001, largely as a fan and home-brew festival for the *Atari Jaguar* 64-bit advanced home gaming system. Before the 2001 show had begun, the organizers made the decision to open the show to all classic gaming platforms in an effort to expand attendance. From an estimated attendance of about 100 in 2002, ‘The Classic’ has steadily grown to over 7,000 paid attendees (2018 estimate) and now claims to be the largest gaming enthusiast and trade show in North America outside of Las Vegas. The space used in the Wisconsin Center by MGC 2019 exceeded 150,000 square feet. [![The retro gaming section of the show floor](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/029-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x692.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/029-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The retro gaming section of the show floor The Midwest Gaming Classic showcases retro-gaming, but includes modern home gaming systems as well. The devices on display range from the newest VR gaming systems to some of the oldest, such as the original Pong. [![The original Pong home game system](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/037-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x646.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/037-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The original Pong home game system The MGC is known for its pinball games, gaming museum and modern game tournaments. It also has a display of gaming systems that never had success due to a superior competitor or change in technology. Nearly all game systems on display can be played by attendees. ![Assorted home gaming systems from the '80s](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/004-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x687.jpg) Assorted home gaming systems from the ’80s Friday was MGC preview night and was intended for those people purchasing the Very Important Gamer (VIG) package in spite of Friday general admission wristbands also being available. It was very well attended and the number of gamers present attested to the growing popularity of MGC. Archie Cunningham of *Dynamic Sketch Studio* displayed his powerful story-telling through the art of illustration in a special artists exhibition area located between the gaming area and the vendor area. MGC had a large amount of space reserved for board and role playing games, an interactive classic gaming and personal computer museum with examples of nearly every home electronic gaming console, home computer and game cartridge ever produced, a section dedicated to ‘claw machines’ (and the like), a cosplay (costume) contest hosted by MeTV’s *Svengoolie*, and a ‘Pro’ air hockey tournament featuring stars such as Dan Meyer, Mark Robbins, Allison DiMichele and Sarah Weissman. [![The history of home console cartridges](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/038-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/038-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The history of home console cartridges It would take at least a small book to describe all that was available to see and do at MGC 2019; since this is a report for Pinball News, I will focus as best as I can, on the coin-op gaming portion of the show. [![Some of the many pinballs available to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/013-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x724.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/013-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Some of the many pinballs available to play [![More of the pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/011-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/011-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) More of the pinballs Chicago’s Galloping Ghost Pinball Arcade brought their *Predator* pinball (Skit-B, 2013) prototype. Attendees were delighted to be able to see and play this very rare game among the huge number of classic pinballs representing all eras of production from the 1930s to today. [![Predator was one of the games brought by Galloping Ghost Pinball Arcade](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/010-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-724x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/010-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Predator was one of the games brought by Galloping Ghost Pinball Arcade Jersey Jack Pinball used the MGC to launch their latest game, *Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory* to North America on Friday Night. [![Jersey Jack Pinball launched their new Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/027-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-741x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/027-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball launched their new Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory game [![All three versions of the game were available to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/031-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x742.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/031-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) All three versions of the game were available to play The launch has been well documented [by a podcast](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/04/14/podcast-flip-expo-2019/) by our own Martin Ayub and Jonathan Joosten. I will comment that while waiting in line for our turn to play the new game, Terri and I observed that the scores were quite low – 40,000 points being what we remember as being a high game during the time we were in line. [![The rules for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/032-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x646.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/032-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The rules for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory JJP’s Yellow Brick Road edition of *The Wizard of Oz* game was also on hand. [![The Yellow Brick Road edition of The Wizard of Oz](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/014-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x783.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/014-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The Yellow Brick Road edition of The Wizard of Oz Chicago Gaming had a surprisingly large presence with their full line available for play including *Attack From Mars*, and *Monster Bash* (remake) [![Chicago Gaming had a large display of their remake titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/015-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-737x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/015-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Chicago Gaming had a large display of their remake titles Stern, in cooperation with Marco Specialties were showcasing their new *Black Knight: Sword of Rage* game which had only moderate wait times to play. [![Stern's new Black Knight: Sword of Rage was at the show in force](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/022-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/022-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Stern’s new Black Knight: Sword of Rage was at the show in force Stern also had at least two of each of their games that had been produced in the last year on hand, including the relatively new *The Munsters*. [![Marco Specialties were showcasing recent and new Stern Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/030-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/030-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Marco Specialties were showcasing recent and new Stern Pinball titles I was fortunate to be able to watch MGC guest Butch Patrick (TV’s Eddie Munster) playing Stern’s *The Munsters* pinball after his meet and greet session. Spooky Pinball was on hand with examples of *Total Nuclear Annihilation*, and *Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle* available to play. [![Spooky Pinball's Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/019-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-787x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/019-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Spooky Pinball’s Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle Capcom’s *Kingpin* is a mythic game to pinball collectors and players, having only 9 of the original games produced. I am told that the team at Circus Maximus are putting their re-make into production, so finally everyone can enjoy playing this Mark Ritchie-designed game. A prototype was available for attendees to enjoy. [![The Kingpin remake by Circus Maximus](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/009-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-726x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/009-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The Kingpin remake by Circus Maximus American Pinball seemed to be drawing the most interest among the general pubic – at least in our observation – with their modest display of three *Oktoberfest: Pinball On Tap* games and a *Houdini*. These games seemed to be constantly in play literally until the show organizers cut the power mains from their booth at show closing time of 8pm Saturday night. [![American Pinball had multiple Oktoberfest games to play, together with their Houdini title](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/017-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/017-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) American Pinball had multiple Oktoberfest games to play, together with their Houdini title MGC’s pinball tournaments included: Women’s, Midwest Pinball Championship, Midwest Pinball Juniors Championship, and Team Split Flipper. They had two of each game in the tournament which included Bally’s *Harlem Globetrotters On Tour* (one with LEDs and one without), Williams’ *F-14 Tomcat* and Stern’s *Iron Man*. [![Two Iron Mans, two F-14 Tomcats and two Harlem Globetrotters in the tournament area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/026-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x707.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/026-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Two Iron Mans, two F-14 Tomcats and two Harlem Globetrotters in the tournament area Saturday was mostly consumed with seminars and I felt that the panel discussion by Tim Sexton and Steve Ritchie on Williams’ 1980 launch of the original *Black Knight* game in France was quite entertaining, as was their insight into the design process of Stern’s new *Black Knight* game. [![Tim Sexton & Steve Ritchie](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/023-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x749.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/023-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Tim Sexton & Steve Ritchie One of the best attended seminars was given by the always affable Ernie Hudson on his acting career and his personal enthusiasm for both video games and pinball. Ernie said that he has two pinballs in his personal collection, including Stern’s *Ghostbusters*. [![Ernie Hudson](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/024-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x723.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/024-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Ernie Hudson At the other end of the spectrum, only a few people attended Harold Johnson’s very interesting presentation on how TSR’s *Dungeons and Dragons* role-playing game was basically developed in the early 1970s at a past *GenCon* gaming event held in Lake Geneva, WI. It was a shame more people didn’t attend and learn about the history of pre-computer gaming. [![Harold Johnson](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/025-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x740.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/025-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Harold Johnson In the vendor area there were quite a few pinball parts and accessories companies on hand, including Artovision with their fantastic 3-D Shadowboxes (photo does not do it justice) having both video game and pinball themes. [![The Artovision stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/039-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/039-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The Artovision stand [![ColorDMD were showing their displays in multiple games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/012-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x774.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/012-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) ColorDMD were showing their displays in multiple games [![Rob Anthony's Pinball Classics had his own room at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/005-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x675.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/005-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Rob Anthony’s Pinball Classics had his own room at the show [![Lighted Pinball Mods had an eye-catching stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/008-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/008-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Lighted Pinball Mods had an eye-catching stand I felt that one of the most interesting refreshment vendors was Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Pop Co. At their strategic location right next to Jersey Mike’s sandwiches and across from the Carcade (mobile arcade). Attendees could purchase one of their decorative ‘vintage’ stainless steel mugs and get free soft drink refills at their stand for the rest of that day. [![The Carcade mobile gaming system in front of Jersey Mike's and Wild Bill's](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/028-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/028-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The Carcade mobile gaming system in front of Jersey Mike’s and Wild Bill’s Wild Bill’s beverages are sweetened with cane sugar and said to be made with less carbonation than national brands. Their mugs are evocative of something that would be right at home in *The Lord Of The Rings* universe and I’m certain most if not all of them were taken home and appreciated by the gamers on hand. I learned later that Wild Bill’s mugs are traded as collectables on the eBay auction site, so it is likely that the MGC mugs may become available for those unable to attend MGC 2019. Jersey Mike’s sandwich company was a presenting sponsor of MGC 2019, and had a sizeable vending stand just outside the gaming room, but there was no lack of other choices to keep your blood-sugar level properly maintained. The back wall of the vendor area had several food and beverage vendors, and there was a comfortable dining space set up nearby. On Saturday night the MGC organizers put on an ‘After Party’ for those people purchasing the VIG package. [![The after party](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/033-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/033-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The After Party Party-goers were given a coupon by WWE Legend *The Million Dollar Man,* Ted DiBiase for a complementary adult beverage that could be redeemed at the after party bar. [![The after party drink voucher](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/035-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x392.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/035-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The After Party drink voucher A large dance floor as well as a DJ with an impressive light show augmented the games on hand for the guests’ amusement. [![Plenty more games to play during the After Party](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/034-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x699.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/034-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Plenty more games to play during the After Party Sunday at MGC opened to another long line of enthusiastic gamers waiting at the pre-paid ticket redemption desk. [![Waiting to collect their tickets](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/002-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/002-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) Waiting to collect their tickets [![The ticket desk](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/003-midwest-gaming-classic-2019-1024x740.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/mgc-2019/003-midwest-gaming-classic-2019.jpg) The ticket desk We were sad to have to leave MGC somewhat early on Sunday due to an incoming snow storm that unceremoniously dumped 6-10 inches of snow on the northern Illinois and southeast Wisconsin area. The white-out conditions on Interstate 94 doubled our travel time home – and that was with an AWD vehicle. I have no doubt that if we had chosen to fly rather than drive, we would have been stuck in Milwaukee until at least Monday night. Contrast this to just a few days earlier when the Carl Weathers was such that it was too warm to wear a light jacket in the outdoors! I would like to give my sincere thanks to Dan Loosen and the members of the show staff for their invaluable assistance with covering MGC 2019. I would be remiss to not offer a thank you to the staff of the Hyatt Place Milwaukee/Downtown in helping us to secure a room for the MGC at somewhat the last minute. We were quite impressed with this hotel as well as its convenient location to the show, and I would suggest you check it out if you are planning to attend MGC 2020. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 08faecfe-34fb-4a49-9127-2c91dc55206b*