Calgary Pinball Enthusiasts need to find a new home

Eight pinball wizards have lent their own machines to a northeast bar in an effort to keep Calgary's club alive.

At the end of the summer, however, it's game over at their current location at Koko'sRestaurant andSports Bar and the club will have to find a new place to call home.

The group started from an idea to unite Calgarians who love flippers and free plays.

"A dozen of us got together and wanted to get in touch with other pinheads, so we started aFacebook group,"Alex Bakker,president of the Calgary Pinball Enthusiasts told the Calgary Eyeopener.

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"Aday later we found 30 other pinheads in Calgary."

Originally, the group met in members' homesbut when membership boomed to over200, the Calgary Pinball Enthusiasts needed a place to both promote pinballin Calgary and host tournaments.

"Most major cities in North America have pincades...places where you go, there's loud music,and people are playing pinball and old arcade games,"said club member Darren Krywolt.

"Even Edmonton has one, but notCalgary,"

Not a bunch of Tommys

Although the club features a core of members who since they were young boys, playedthe silver ball, themembership of the group is diverse.

"We want to grow the game in Calgary,"said reigning club champion DanHorne.

"We want to see more and more people playing.Everyone is welcome, you just have to like to have fun,"

On Wednesdays the club hosts a $5 unlimited play, drop-in night for non-members. Though this weekwill be the last at Koko's.

Looking for a Lazarus ball

"We'rejust looking for a place to call our own," said Bakker.

If you're a business able to help a few pinheads, join the Calgary Pinball EnthusiastFacebook group or contact the club at their website.

"We just want people, and maybe prospective business owners, to come out and experienceour passionate, fun andfriendly community of pinball lovers," said Bakker.

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener