# AMERICAN PINBALL PARTY **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2024-07-21 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2024/07/21/american-pinball-party --- ## Analysis Pinball News covered the American Pinball Party held July 14, 2024 at SS Billiards in Hopkins, Minnesota, celebrating the arrival of all six American Pinball game titles at the venue. Despite a power outage from overnight thunderstorms, the event proceeded with free play on all American Pinball machines, food from Famous Dave's, souvenirs, and a high-score competition on Barry O's Barbecue Challenge. The article features interviews with Lloyd (SS Billiards owner providing American Pinball tech support) and David Fix (American Pinball EVP), along with extensive venue photography. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] SS Billiards now has all six American Pinball game titles available — _Direct statement in event announcement and article body describing venue tour showing all games_ - [HIGH] David Fix is American Pinball's Executive Vice-President — _Article explicitly identifies Fix as 'American Pinball's Executive Vice-President' and mentions his direct contact with Lloyd to arrange tech support role_ - [HIGH] Lloyd was contracted by Dave Fix in January 2024 to provide customer technical support for American Pinball — _Direct quote from Lloyd: 'Dave Fix head of American Pinball contacted me back in January and wanted me for tech support'_ - [HIGH] A power outage occurred at SS Billiards around 1am on July 14 due to thunderstorms, lasting approximately four hours before restoration by morning — _Article states: 'as a result of large thunderstorms which had passed through the area sometime around midnight, at 1am the power was out at SS Billiards. After four hours of waiting... By morning, luckily, power was back on'_ - [HIGH] SS Billiards also hosts all Chicago Gaming pinball releases — _Article describes venue tour: 'which now includes all the American Pinball titles as well as all the Chicago Gaming releases' with photographic evidence of multiple Chicago Gaming games_ ### Notable Quotes > "Dave Fix head of American Pinball contacted me back in January and wanted me for tech support. Went smooth, didn't have to sign anything. Pretty much anything I wanted." > — **Lloyd (SS Billiards owner/American Pinball tech support)**, Article body, interview section > _Reveals American Pinball's recruitment and relationship-building approach; indicates Fix's direct involvement in business operations_ > "Since my first post on Rec.Games.Pinball, I've strived to help people with their pinball machines so they get the most out of them and make their pinball experience better. Working with American Pinball, is another step in being able to better help people with their games." > — **Lloyd**, Article body, interview section > _Shows Lloyd's long-term commitment to pinball community support and his motivation for the American Pinball partnership_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | SS Billiards | location | Venue in Hopkins, Minnesota (732 11th Avenue South) hosting the American Pinball Party; operated by Lloyd; has complete lineup of American Pinball games and Chicago Gaming titles | | American Pinball | company | Pinball game manufacturer; has six game titles in circulation; David Fix serves as Executive Vice-President | | David Fix | person | Executive Vice-President of American Pinball; recruited Lloyd for technical support role in January 2024; attended and participated in American Pinball Party event | | Lloyd | person | Owner of SS Billiards; American Pinball customer technical support contractor since January 2024; long-time pinball community contributor since rec.games.pinball era; manages venue operations and customer support during events | | Barry O's Barbecue Challenge | game | American Pinball game title; featured high-score competition at the party; winner (John) received Barry O's sauce bottle and apron | | Chicago Gaming | company | Pinball game manufacturer; multiple titles present at SS Billiards; provided Pulp Fiction souvenirs for the American Pinball Party | | The Pinball Place | location | American Pinball distributor based in New Ulm, Minnesota; attended the event to discuss pinball sales and equipment | | Famous Dave's Bar-B-Q | location | Restaurant in Minnetonka, Minnesota that provided ribs for the event dinner | | Prada | person | Previous greeter/fixture at SS Billiards; has since been replaced by Snowflake; memorialized in photograph at venue | | Snowflake | person | New greeter/fixture at SS Billiards who welcomed Pinball News photographer at the American Pinball Party | | John | person | High-score competition winner on Barry O's Barbecue Challenge at the American Pinball Party; received prize of Barry O's sauce bottle and matching apron | ### Topics - **Primary:** American Pinball product lineup and distribution, Community events and venue promotions, Pinball operator and collector community engagement - **Secondary:** Technical support and customer service in pinball industry, Pinball game competition and high-score challenges, Pinball venue operations ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.85) — Event coverage is celebratory and community-focused; overcoming power outage adds narrative of persistence; successful turnout and participation; no critical commentary or negative sentiment expressed ### Signals - **[business_signal]** American Pinball demonstrating market expansion and distribution strategy through venue partnerships and tech support infrastructure (confidence: high) — David Fix personally engaged with venue owners; Lloyd contracted as dedicated tech support; The Pinball Place attending as distributor; formal event marketing and celebration of full lineup arrival - **[event_signal]** American Pinball Party at SS Billiards successfully brought together community members to celebrate new game lineup arrival, despite infrastructure challenges (confidence: high) — Event attracted significant attendance, featured free-play on all six American Pinball titles, high-score competition, food, and souvenirs distributed throughout the day - **[community_signal]** American Pinball investing in venue relationships and customer experience through dedicated technical support staffing (confidence: high) — January 2024 recruitment of Lloyd with flexible terms; ongoing support during high-traffic event; Lloyd's long history in community provided credibility foundation - **[market_signal]** SS Billiards positioning itself as significant American Pinball and Chicago Gaming showcase venue in Minnesota market (confidence: high) — Complete lineups of both manufacturers' games; dedicated tech support contractor; major event hosting; distributor attendance; extensive game variety and venue upgrades --- ## Transcript Date: 14th July 2024 Location: 732 11th Avenue South, Hopkins, MN 55343, USA A month before the American Pinball party, we got a personal invitation from LTG at SS Billiards. | | | --- | | Hello Pinball News, SS Billiards update. Lots of new pinball machines since the last email. Here is a quick walk through video : The full American Pinball line up is here now, all 6 games. Coming Sunday July 14th will be an American Pinball Party here to celebrate them. Noon to 10pm. Ribs at dinner time. And souvenirs. We’d like to see you there. After the party we’ll be recovering the pool tables. Thank you for your continued support. LTG : ) | | | Then on July 6th, Lloyd updated his Facebook page with more details. | | | --- | | American Pinball Party Sunday July 14th Full American Pinball Line Up All American Pinball machines on free play. Play one game on each machine and get a souvenir mug for the event until they run out. Famous Dave’s ribs around 6pm. Chicago Gaming provided some Pulp Fiction souvenirs for the event. The Pinball Place in New Ulm Minnesota will be there. An American Pinball distributor, as well as other lines and used equipment. So you can talk to them for your pinball needs. Everyone is welcome. No cover charge. LTG : ) | | | On July 14th – the day of the party – as a result of large thunderstorms which had passed through the area sometime around midnight, at 1am the power was out at SS Billiards. After four hours of waiting to see if it returned, Lloyd finally decided to go to bed and see what the morning would bring. By morning, luckily, power was back on and the party could proceed as planned. Also on July 14th, but at 11:50am, Pinball News arrived to take pictures. ![SS Billiards in Hopkins, Minnesota](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/01-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) SS Billiards in Hopkins, the venue for the party We are sad to say we were not greeted by the famous Prada. Instead, a new little face was happy to welcome us – Snowflake. ![Welcome, Snowflake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/17-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Welcome, Snowflake However, Prada is forever memorialized in picture form. ![Prada remembered](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/28-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Prada remembered It was then that we first got introduced to David Fix, American Pinball’s Executive Vice-President. ![American Pinball, David Fix](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/02-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball, David Fix During our chat, David told us all the secrets about the latest American Pinball game, Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge. But you, dear reader, will have to discover them for yourselves. ![American Pinball's Barry O's Barbecue Challenge](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/108-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball’s Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge There was a high score competition on Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge running throughout the party, with prizes for the top three scorers. We gave ourselves a quick tour of the games at SS Billiards which now includes all the American Pinball titles as well as all the Chicago Gaming releases. ![Jersey Jack Pinball's Dialed In!](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/101-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball’s Dialed In! ![Jersey Jack Pinball's The Hobbit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/102-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball’s The Hobbit ![Jersey Jack Pinball's Guns 'N Roses](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/103-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball’s Guns ‘N Roses ![Jersey Jack Pinball's Willy Wonka](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/104-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball’s Willy Wonka ![Chicago Gaming's Monster Bash Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/105-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) ![Multicade video game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/106-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Multicade video game ![Chicago Gaming's Pulp Fiction](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/107-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Chicago Gaming’s Pulp Fiction ![American Pinball's Barry O's Barbecue Challenge](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/108-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball’s Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge ![Jersey Jack Pinball's The Godfather](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/109-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Jersey Jack Pinball’s The Godfather ![American Pinball's Hot Wheels](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/110-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball’s Hot Wheels ![American Pinball's Galactic Tank Force](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/111-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball’s Galactic Tank Force ![Capcom's Big Bang Bar](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/112-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Capcom’s Big Bang Bar ![Chicago Gaming's Attack From Mars Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/113-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Chicago Gaming’s Attack From Mars Remake ![Chicago Gaming's Medieval Madness Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/114-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Chicago Gaming’s Medieval Madness Remake ![Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/115-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake ![William's Taxi](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/116-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) William’s Taxi ![Stern Pinball's The Walking Dead & AC/DC](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/117-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Stern Pinball’s The Walking Dead & AC/DC ![Medieval Madness, The Addams Family, The Wizard of Oz and Twilight Zone](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/118-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Medieval Zone ![American Pinball's Oktoberfest, Legends of Valhalla and Houdini](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/119-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) American Pinball’s Oktoberfest, Legends of Valhalla and Houdini We asked Lloyd about his role providing customer technical support for American Pinball, starting with how he got the job. He told us, “Dave Fix head of American Pinball contacted me back in January and wanted me for tech support. Went smooth, didn’t have to sign anything. Pretty much anything I wanted. It took a little time but he wanted to get one of each American Pinball machine here.“ We then asked why he took on the role. He said, “Since my first post on Rec.Games.Pinball, I’ve strived to help people with their pinball machines so they get the most out of them and make their pinball experience better. Working with American Pinball, is another step in being able to better help people with their games. I’m glad to be at this time and in this place!“ The first party attendees arrived just after midday. ![The first guests arrived soon after the doors opened](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/06-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) The first guests arrived soon after the doors opened By 12:30pm the place had really started to fill up with guests keen to enjoy the full range of American Pinball titles. ![Soon after opening SS Billiards began to get busy](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/14-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Soon after opening SS Billiards began to get busy Although he was running the party, Lloyd still had to perform his tech support responsibilities for American Pinball, Chicago Gaming and Planetary Pinball customers. ![Lloyd providing customer support during the party](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/11-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Lloyd providing customer support during the party Before dinner arrived, cookies and snacks were brought in. ![Pre-dinner snacks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/21-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Pre-dinner snacks Just before 6pm, in keeping with the arrival of Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge, ribs arrived from Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Q restaurant in neighbouring Minnetonka. ![The food arrives](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/19-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) The food arrives ![Time for Ribs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/23-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Time for Ribs ![Ribs all round](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/25-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Ribs for everyone After dinner, game play continued strongly for a few more hours. ![Dinner over, time to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/20-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) Dinner over, time to play By 9pm things had settled down and only the last few attendees remained. At 10pm the party was officially over. However, a few far-travelling hangers-on were allowed to stay until 11pm. This included John, the big high score winner of the night. His score on Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge was unbeatable, earning him the top prize of a special bottle of Barry O’s sauce and a matching apron. ![High Score Competition winner, John, receives his prize from David Fix](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024/27-american-pinball-ss-billiards-2024.jpg) High Fix And with that presentation made, the American Pinball Party at SS Billiards officially came to an end. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 11cf1764-e904-441a-bc34-94351de4026a*