The posts look like they will get in the way for just about anything

based on the outlets, you're nearly forced to put the pins against the walls (unless you intend to run a lot of power strips). I'm assuming there are so many poles because it's the basement holding up a lot of floors above it?

If the lease rate is attractive, it doesn't look horrible. Looks like you could get 2-3 machines between a pair of posts, such that the last picture looks like you could get in between 8 and 12 machines. The first shot looks like it could hold another 6 or so. Seating and admin area in the middle or in one of the corners if you have enough machine space to spare one. Use the posts to hang some artwork, cameras, etc. Doesn't look like a bad start to me, and if it truly flies than you expand like The Sanctum did.

Are there outlets on the support posts? It kind of looks like it in the picture but it's hard to tell. If they are outlets, that could be useful.

I'd suggest putting together a floor plan with the posts and see if you could get everything to fit.

--Luke

Run cables so that they go to the roof and an outlet can then hang down of an arm. That's what we've got in all of the operating theatres I run.
That way there are no cables on the ground to trip over, plus they can be located exactly where you want. No need to have all machines backed up to a wall, they could be back to back in open space.

Wow,i see a whole other use for those poles!You could really fix that place up nice!You could have separate space for pins that are alike,hang colored parachutes from the top for that nostalgic look,hang large old movie posters between areas to make avenues of pins,my mind goes crazy with possibilities! good luck!peace!

Name it "pins n spins"
Half pinball co-op...half strip club
20151230_182136_(resized).jpg

2016-01-15-08-22-24-1217450373_(resized).jpg

Slogan: just put a quarter in the slot...

You can take the posts out, but you would need an I-beam to replace them.

New bars always open with 2 or more posts in front of the stage.

After a few years, someone tells the owner that they can can put in an I-beam and make the place not look like the basement it is....

Are there restrooms in the basement, or do you have to go to an upper level?

My personal opinion from what we've gone through at The Sanctum those columns would quickly become a pain in the ass. I bet you could get games set up around them in a reasonable manner but when it comes time to move that back game out its going to be an annoying chore and trust me things will move all the time

When we first found our unit I downloaded a free CAD program. Made a block about 32"x60" for each machine and played with layouts. Go back and measure the columns and perimeter and play around. See if you can make a decent layout. If you make and alley of games is suggest a minimum of 8' from coin door to coin door. Allows a person with a reasonable stance on each game and room for 1 person to walk between them.

Good luck and feel free to come by and pick our brains anytime.

-Jim

I think Jim is putting it mildly by saying those posts will be a pain in the ass. I hate posts. So much so that when we built this house, I spent NIB money on a steel I-beam that spans the length and completely freed up the gameroom. Absolutely worth every penny and I still consider it the best pin mod I've installed!

My suggestion would be to keep looking for a better space, as you'll probably come to despise those posts as well!

If you're looking for a decent floor planning software check out floorplanner.com. It's pretty easy to learn, free, and has pre-modeled pinball objects ready to drag and drop.

Sealclubber's post has a image of what you can do with it:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/crown-molding-lights#post-2554972