I am often jealous of larger cities which have a larger group of players and more regular opportuntites to play pinball and meet new people. In short, about 4 years ago there was zero opportunity to play decent pinball in Madison. Myself and a few buddies organized to create Madison Pinball. We started with 1 location and 4 games. We now have 3 locations and over 24 games (4, 9, 12-13 at the 3 locations). Our main goal was to share our personal games on location for people to play and spread the word of the silverball.
We have built up a core group of regular competitors. They come out to the monthly competitions we host. They come out to the launch parties. They come out for the selfie leagues. All the while when maintaining games I see lots of regular location players that never come to any of the monthly gatherings. It seems to me that the competitive side has kept some people from coming out (the same 3-5 people win every month as they are just damn good).
I have racked my brain and tried to figure out new ways to promote and bring these people in as I would love to see the niche continue to grow. I am looking for some new ideas or genuine thoughts on how to bring new people into pinball.
Granted there are only so many hours in the day and we are only a town of 250k so I fully understand there is a ceiling.
What are your ideas? real ideas please...
Are you are regular location player but rarely play in competitions? why?
Are you an operator or run IFPA or other events? What works for you? has anything helped? do you advertsie and how?
I seriously appreciate any insight or input on how to continue to spread the word of the silverball.
*worth note that the main motivator here is to bring more people into pinball