(Topic ID: 291537)

The Vegas PHoF Opens 4/14/21 In New Location

By prl867

2 years ago


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    There are 1,324 posts in this topic. You are on page 2 of 27.
    #51 2 years ago

    Good news went to PHOF yesterday was there about 3 hours plenty of fun and will get better .
    I had no problem just walked in.

    Bad news went to arcade at New York, New York
    They took out pins recently. Nothing to play

    13
    #52 2 years ago
    Quoted from rvdv:

    It’s gonna be Huge
    ( some one said)
    [quoted image]

    Could not wait for the new place to open
    So made quick road trip to check it out
    Been going to the old place so many times
    And donated several times for this new place.

    So here is my experience and it’s not good.

    I know the pandemic makes people paranoid
    But the people today volunteer or not should need training to address customers.

    The place has no AC running so it was terrible hot in there and since I wear glasses I had my mask under my nose so it would not fog up.

    Within 5 minutes this nasty old lady said put your mask on Sir or leave to me and my wife
    In an utterly nasty tone.

    I’m a pretty easy going guy so took my glasses of and mask over the nose and kept playing.

    My wife had a further encounter with another staff member when she came from the rest room
    Right after And was asked to leave without provocation from her side ,She was wearing the mask but she spoke out about the manner we were spoken to and they did not like that.

    My wife being a good sport said she would wait outside for me so I could finish my game.
    Next thing I know my machine was switched of in the middle of my game by one person that volunteers there and was asked to leave , argued a bit why since I complied with their request and continued being treated horribly and was escorted out or they would call police if I would not leave.

    Also like to mention there were only 6 customers
    In there with plenty of space for all.

    I wish them all the best but if they have Assholes working there I will never return.

    Took quick pic of the door boy
    In case you encounter him
    Thread carefully , very carefully

    5333B8B1-CF76-4506-9F1F-86EDB2A12142 (resized).jpeg5333B8B1-CF76-4506-9F1F-86EDB2A12142 (resized).jpeg6F900786-CCDD-4B3B-9B1F-A997FFF21563 (resized).jpeg6F900786-CCDD-4B3B-9B1F-A997FFF21563 (resized).jpeg87B27C00-A993-4F92-AFFD-D686FA57F016 (resized).jpeg87B27C00-A993-4F92-AFFD-D686FA57F016 (resized).jpeg96EEBCD0-2DAE-47EE-9D86-E7F058A58B3E (resized).jpeg96EEBCD0-2DAE-47EE-9D86-E7F058A58B3E (resized).jpegA4357361-0D0B-4367-92D0-9CA680DBEA12 (resized).jpegA4357361-0D0B-4367-92D0-9CA680DBEA12 (resized).jpegD9E55087-6858-4351-9F97-5E474ABC7BC1 (resized).jpegD9E55087-6858-4351-9F97-5E474ABC7BC1 (resized).jpeg
    #53 2 years ago

    Getting thrown out of PBHOF is a rite of passage I wouldn't take it personally. A friend of mine got thrown out for smelling like weed, he came back the next day like nothing happened.

    I do very much hope the AC is working by the time I'm there in August! I don't think I could subject myself to that even to play Pinball Circus.

    #54 2 years ago
    Quoted from rvdv:

    Could not wait for the new place to open
    So made quick road trip to check it out
    Been going to the old place so many times
    And donated several times for this new place.
    So here is my experience and it’s not good.
    I know the pandemic makes people paranoid
    But the people today volunteer or not should need training to address customers.
    The place has no AC running so it was terrible hot in there and since I wear glasses I had my mask under my nose so it would not fog up.
    Within 5 minutes this nasty old lady said put your mask on Sir or leave to me and my wife
    In an utterly nasty tone.
    I’m a pretty easy going guy so took my glasses of and mask over the nose and kept playing.
    My wife had a further encounter with another staff member when she came from the rest room
    Right after And was asked to leave without provocation from her side ,She was wearing the mask but she spoke out about the manner we were spoken to and they did not like that.
    My wife being a good sport said she would wait outside for me so I could finish my game.
    Next thing I know my machine was switched of in the middle of my game by one person that volunteers there and was asked to leave , argued a bit why since I complied with their request and continued being treated horribly and was escorted out or they would call police if I would not leave.
    Also like to mention there were only 6 customers
    In there with plenty of space for all.
    I wish them all the best but if they have Assholes working there I will never return.
    Took quick pic of the door boy
    In case you encounter him
    Thread carefully , very carefully [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

    I was there on saturday and saw (but did not experience) the same older lady approach a customer and her husband (I assume) about a drink she placed on the game while she played. Although the older lady was correct about not putting a full soda cup on a pinball but she was nasty and very "in your face" with the customer. The customer complied quickly and apologized. Within 2 minutes another employee of the establishment berated her for some other insignificant infraction. I heard her say to her husband "Jeez, this place is the most un-friendliest place in Vegas. Im done here." They left very soon after that. I don't think they were there for more than 12 minutes.
    The employees or volunteers could benefit from a customer service class. The new location is going to draw a lot of tourists, unfortunately I think some of them wont come back...

    17
    #55 2 years ago
    Quoted from cosmokramer:

    I was there on saturday and saw (but did not experience) the same older lady approach a customer and her husband (I assume) about a drink she placed on the game while she played. Although the older lady was correct about not putting a full soda cup on a pinball but she was nasty and very "in your face" with the customer. The customer complied quickly and apologized. Within 2 minutes another employee of the establishment berated her for some other insignificant infraction. I heard her say to her husband "Jeez, this place is the most un-friendliest place in Vegas. Im done here." They left very soon after that. I don't think they were there for more than 12 minutes.

    These last 2 posts remind me of the 'old days' at the other location. Tim as well as his staff was known for being surly to their patrons. That attitude has to stop. Seriously, it's embarrassing and undignified on their part. A few years back I had some friends that were visiting LV and I told them they HAVE to visit the PHOF. They did and were treated in pretty much the same fashion. They weren't drinking, smoking or being loud. I regretted suggesting that place to them.
    Listen, Tim has done a ton--I mean a TON of good for this hobby and his cause. No argument. But the hostile behavior coming from that place looks like it's rearing it's ugly head again in the new place. Not good. If someone is abusing the pins or has unattended sprogs running about then I'm all for booting their sorry asses out, as it IS his place after all, but adult patrons who are behaving themselves (but breaking some arcane handwritten rule that they don't know about) is not professional.
    Not a good PR start to this venture...

    #56 2 years ago

    Hmm I wear glasses had a mask was in from about 3 to 5:30 Monday had no problem with air or staff.

    My wife wasn’t there was at the pool at Mandalay Bay, since I was alone I would only walk there in the day. The area is somewhat deserted from the hotel to the PHOF. We didn’t rent a car . Sorry to hear about your experience.

    #57 2 years ago
    Quoted from rvdv:

    Could not wait for the new place to open
    So made quick road trip to check it out
    Been going to the old place so many times
    And donated several times for this new place.
    So here is my experience and it’s not good.
    I know the pandemic makes people paranoid
    But the people today volunteer or not should need training to address customers.
    The place has no AC running so it was terrible hot in there and since I wear glasses I had my mask under my nose so it would not fog up.
    Within 5 minutes this nasty old lady said put your mask on Sir or leave to me and my wife
    In an utterly nasty tone.
    I’m a pretty easy going guy so took my glasses of and mask over the nose and kept playing.
    My wife had a further encounter with another staff member when she came from the rest room
    Right after And was asked to leave without provocation from her side ,She was wearing the mask but she spoke out about the manner we were spoken to and they did not like that.
    My wife being a good sport said she would wait outside for me so I could finish my game.
    Next thing I know my machine was switched of in the middle of my game by one person that volunteers there and was asked to leave , argued a bit why since I complied with their request and continued being treated horribly and was escorted out or they would call police if I would not leave.
    Also like to mention there were only 6 customers
    In there with plenty of space for all.
    I wish them all the best but if they have Assholes working there I will never return.
    Took quick pic of the door boy
    In case you encounter him
    Thread carefully , very carefully [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

    Damn sorry that happened to you and your wife, especially considering how nice you have always treated guests like myself.

    #58 2 years ago

    My experience at Trops location on March 30th was FANTASTIC. I’ve been to PHOF multiple times over the years, spoken with Tim, etc, but never had a need to speak with a volunteer until this last visit as the ball on Stern’s Elvira fell into the PF. I looked around and boom a sweet younger woman volunteer asked me what was wrong, I explained, and I assisted her in pulling the heavy PF and getting the ball. She even loaded in extra credits for the delay. This is the experience at PHOF EVERYONE who visits need to have! If I’m ever asked to leave PHOF for a minor unknown infraction and police are threatened, well let the police come. I’ll point to my PHOF shirt and gold donation plaque on the wall and walk out never to return or donate again.

    #59 2 years ago

    I've been absolutely screamed at for accidently dropping the S word after a ball drain. Things like that have made me pause from going back and actually was considering on trying out the new location but hopefully these stories subside cause like has been stated above that attitude needs to change. No one wants those experiences on a vacation especially after some of us have rough luck at the casinos lol

    #60 2 years ago

    No worries, if customer traffic does not increase 2-3x thanks to location (not an easy walk from even Trop & LV Blvd in the Summer) or staff treating customers poorly; maybe a new donation thing will need to be started to keep the doors open.

    Some of the cheerleaders from the other thread will preach the virtues of the PHoF and post their donation schedule and urge others to do the same. Some will decline to do so.

    #61 2 years ago

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid.

    It is simple. WEAR A MASK! No part way, not just a gauze covering or a face shield, A FULL MASK, all the time.

    99 percent of our customers have NO problem with this reasonable requirement.

    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.

    The science of wearing a mask is solid. It is not painful or limiting. It DOES help stop the spread of Covid.

    Our position is simple. Mask up or get out.

    Playing a stupid marble game is never worth anyone getting sick.

    Also, keep in mind that in a loud room, our staff, who ARE wearing masks, must speak loudly to be heard. Some people take this as gruffness or rudeness.

    All of us at the PHOF are getting very tired of telling people over and over to mind simple public health rules that are for everyone's protection. Playing some stupid mind-game with grown adults who refuse to be safe also takes us away from working on improving the machines.

    Government goons kicking down your front door in the middle of the night IS an issue of FREEDOM. Not being allowed to vote IS a FREEDOM issue. Wearing a simple cloth over your mouth and nose is just common courtesy. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    #62 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid.
    It is simple. WEAR A MASK! No part way, not just a gauze covering or a face shield, A FULL MASK, all the time.
    99 percent of our customers have NO problem with this reasonable requirement.
    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.
    The science of wearing a mask is solid. It is not painful or limiting. It DOES help stop the spread of Covid.
    Our position is simple. Mask up or get out.
    Playing a stupid marble game is never worth anyone getting sick.
    Also, keep in mind that in a loud room, our staff, who ARE wearing masks, must speak loudly to be heard. Some people take this as gruffness or rudeness.
    All of us at the PHOF are getting very tired of telling people over and over to mind simple public health rules that are for everyone's protection. Playing some stupid mind-game with grown adults who refuse to be safe also takes us away from working on improving the machines.
    Government goons kicking down your front door in the middle of the night IS an issue of FREEDOM. Not being allowed to vote IS a FREEDOM issue. Wearing a simple cloth over your mouth and nose is just common courtesy. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    Thanks for this reasonable clarification! People are always saying they wish things were "like the old days" and that they lived in the simpler time of their youth...well here ya go! Straight talk and honesty just like what built the good old US of A, not the new-fangled "everybody is special" participation trophy fake talk we all hate now.

    No "Disneyfied Vegas" at the Pinball Hall of Fame, baby! I can't wait to go.

    Is PBHOF selling masks with PINBALL emblazoned across them?

    18
    #63 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid.
    It is simple. WEAR A MASK! No part way, not just a gauze covering or a face shield, A FULL MASK, all the time.
    99 percent of our customers have NO problem with this reasonable requirement.
    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.
    The science of wearing a mask is solid. It is not painful or limiting. It DOES help stop the spread of Covid.
    Our position is simple. Mask up or get out.
    Playing a stupid marble game is never worth anyone getting sick.
    Also, keep in mind that in a loud room, our staff, who ARE wearing masks, must speak loudly to be heard. Some people take this as gruffness or rudeness.
    All of us at the PHOF are getting very tired of telling people over and over to mind simple public health rules that are for everyone's protection. Playing some stupid mind-game with grown adults who refuse to be safe also takes us away from working on improving the machines.
    Government goons kicking down your front door in the middle of the night IS an issue of FREEDOM. Not being allowed to vote IS a FREEDOM issue. Wearing a simple cloth over your mouth and nose is just common courtesy. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    Sorry Tim... I'm on your side, I donated to the go fund me and supported the old location and was at the new location on Saturday (pics posted a few days ago) spending money.
    The treatment I saw of patrons was terrible and had NOTHING to do with covid or health...it was just shitty customer relations from people with bad attitudes...

    #64 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.

    This is the one that gets me. Life is full of rules and laws. Just follow them... If you don’t agree with the rules then get involved and do something to change them. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

    #65 2 years ago

    OK - Here is "my take" on things looking at it from the point of view of someone who has been in business for over 40 years (pretty much ever since I got out of college) and had to deal with the public more than I really wanted to at times.

    First off when dealing with the same "bull shit" over and over again because customers don't follow the rules or listen to what they are being told gets old and sometimes this wears you down when you are running a business. Sometimes when running a business you are just having a bad day. And sometimes if you are extremely tired you are having a bad day just having to be at work. So now to PHOF - everyone involved as far as volunteers is likely exhausted right now, between the move, the stress of getting ready for the move, working around this Corona Virus mess etc it has not been easy for them. So I think everyone needs to consider all of that.

    From the customers side of things - Tim has never been known as an overly friendly guy but he is always honest about his mission and why he does what he does. He has been very successful at doing this for years. He isn't perfect or well polished but he is a hard working guy doing a lot of good. So if you go into PHOF you need to remember it might now be the most friendly place on earth but no one claims that is what it is suppose to be. It is suppose to be an old school arcade and back in the day they we never a "polished operation".

    Yes Tim & his crew of volunteers could likely do things better but one point everyone seems to forget when posting the negatives. NONE OF THESE PEOPLE ARE GETTING PAID - they are all volunteers working for free and putting up with BULL SHIT everyday. So I think "soft skinned" customers might want to consider just skipping their visit if they are expecting to be treated like they are at Disney World or at one of the Casinos. But if you are willing to follow the rules and just play a little pinball with no drama I am sure you can have a good time at PHOF.

    I am expecting plenty of down votes on this post because some people just don't seem to "get it". PHOF is a bunch of people working for nothing raising as much money as possible for charity. It isn't a bunch of Disney employees getting paid very well so you can have a happy experience. Tim's mission has been the same since day one - share his collection while raising money for charity keeping his cost down to raise as much money as possible. NOTHING MORE & NOTHING LESS. If you don't like the way volunteers are treating people volunteer your time and treat people better when they are their.

    #66 2 years ago
    Quoted from too-many-pins:

    Sometimes when running a business you are just having a bad day. And sometimes if you are extremely tired you are having a bad day just having to be at work.

    Quoted from too-many-pins:

    From the customers side of things -

    And people working there,or customers there. We are all human. We can and do make mistakes.

    I know in 48+ years of dealing with customers, I've made a mistake or two. And in the same time frame my customers have made a mistake or two.

    There are times to consider the other point of view. Forgive. Forget. Move on.

    Not every interaction needs to be written in stone.

    LTG : )

    -19
    #67 2 years ago

    It would of been a waste of trip knowing I would be required to wear a mask. Think I’ll wait until things change. One trick I learned in North Carolina is you don’t have to wear a mask when holding a drink in your hand.

    15
    #68 2 years ago
    Quoted from Electrocute:

    One trick I learned in North Carolina is you don’t have to wear a mask when holding a drink in your hand.

    Isn't it hard playing pinball one handed and a drink in the other hand ?

    LTG : )

    -3
    #69 2 years ago
    Quoted from LTG:

    Isn't it hard playing pinball one handed and a drink in the other hand ?
    LTG : )

    Yes, guess that trick wouldn’t work. But, you probably could walk around Phof, no mask, with a drink in your hand.

    12
    #70 2 years ago
    Quoted from Electrocute:

    It would of been a waste of trip knowing I would be required to wear a mask. Think I’ll wait until things change. One trick I learned in North Carolina is you don’t have to wear a mask when holding a drink in your hand.

    My question is what the hell is wrong with wearing a mask when we are in the middle of an epidemic that is know to be spread in the air. For over 100 years mask have been worn in places like operating rooms & other "clean areas" that can't have germs being spread. Mask do work - mask will help us get back to normal sooner - it is science not a political statement or violation of your freedom - it is just common sense which very few people seem to have these days.

    You are right - if you don't want to wear a mask just stay home and away from people trying to put an end to this mess.

    -1
    #71 2 years ago
    Quoted from too-many-pins:

    My question is what the hell is wrong with wearing a mask when we are in the middle of an epidemic that is know to be spread in the air. For over 100 years mask have been worn in places like operating rooms & other "clean areas" that can't have germs being spread. Mask do work - mask will help us get back to normal sooner - it is science not a political statement or violation of your freedom - it is just common sense which very few people seem to have these days.
    You are right - if you don't want to wear a mask just stay home and away from people trying to put an end to this mess.

    Do you enjoy wearing a mask? I don’t. Avoid every situation where I have to wear a mask. Basically, doing nothing until this this thing is over. Did do my part and got vaccinated.

    12
    #72 2 years ago

    Having opened close to 60 theatres over my career, I can certainly appreciate the angst of soft openings as they're incredibly stressful and no one seems to know what the hell is going on staff-wise. Mistakes will be made, sometimes big ones. You have to expect that. Your stress level will be at it's peak. You'll be grouchy most of the time and just want to get it behind you. The bottom line is to make the venture (movie theatre or pinball museum) as INVITING as possible to the potential customer. Read that last line again. If not for that customer, there will be no income and thus no more $$$ for your charity or whatever else your goal is. Believe me when I tell you, customers can be obnoxious assholes. They are definitely the ones who deserve to get booted. I have done my share of that back in the day. From what I've read and what others have experienced, that has NOT been the case here. Nobody is carving their initials on the the side of the pins for Christ's sake. If someone isn't wearing their mask, remind them politely to mask it up. If you get shushed or they don't listen, out they go. Again, I'm not so sure that's what happened here. I think that staff member was likely ill-trained to deal with patrons from what it sounds like. Classic mountain out of a molehill here.
    Tim does NOT possess people skills, plain and simple. I do not mean that to be pejorative. He likes to control his domain, as do most people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I just find it odd that a man who pretty much donated his life to helping others (via being a large benefactor to The Salvation Army) seemingly holds so much contempt for his patrons. I said seemingly, so prove me wrong.

    -1
    #73 2 years ago
    Quoted from Electrocute:

    Do you enjoy wearing a mask? I don’t. Avoid every situation where I have to wear a mask. Basically, doing nothing until this this thing is over. Did do my part and got vaccinated.

    I HATE WEARING A MASK but thankfully I only have to wear one when I choose to go out in public. How about all the poor people in the medical profession having to wear them 8 to 12 hours a day thanks to idiots not wanting to wear one when they choose to go out. Sometimes we just have to "man up" and do the right thing for the good of everyone.

    I hate driving the speed limit because I am a great driver and really shouldn't have to go that slow because of other idiots but I have to obey the law, I hate having to put on a shirt to go out for dinner but I do because that is the law, I hate not being able to smoke in public places but that is the law so I put up with it. Rules are for the good of everyone!

    As far as the above statements about what I hate - I don't smoke, I don't run around without a shirt and I don't drive like a am crazy. I was just using that stuff as examples of some of the stuff some people have to do for the good of everyone.

    Wearing a mask reduces the spread of this deadly virus - the quicker we can stop it from spreading & get it behind us the sooner we can get back to the new normal. I miss going to concerts, I miss going to shows, I miss being able to travel and go to places like museums. But I am smart enough to realize we just can't do some of that stuff until the virus is behind us and wearing a mask will help that.

    But I don't want to derail this thread with the mask debate. KEEP THE PICTURES COMING and keep the post about PHOF coming. I wish I had the "balls" to travel out to Vegas and give Tim a hand but I am not going too far from home until this mess is behind us! So for now all I can do is to keep tossing what money I can at his go-fund-me and then once we can travel I can toss some money into his machines. Until then lets all try to stay positive and work together anyway we can to get this Corona Virus mess behind us and support great causes like PHOF.

    #74 2 years ago

    Best of luck to the PHOF. I'll be sure to visit on my next trip to Vegas. It's always a good change of pace when I'm getting killed at the casinos.

    #75 2 years ago
    Quoted from kamenoi_ostrow:

    Having opened close to 60 theatres over my career, I can certainly appreciate the angst of soft openings as they're incredibly stressful and no one seems to know what the hell is going on staff-wise. Mistakes will be made, sometimes big ones. You have to expect that. Your stress level will be at it's peak. You'll be grouchy most of the time and just want to get it behind you. The bottom line is to make the venture (movie theatre or pinball museum) as INVITING as possible to the potential customer. Read that last line again. If not for that customer, there will be no income and thus no more $$$ for your charity or whatever else your goal is. Believe me when I tell you, customers can be obnoxious assholes. They are definitely the ones who deserve to get booted. I have done my share of that back in the day. From what I've read and what others have experienced, that has NOT been the case here. Nobody is carving their initials on the the side of the pins for Christ's sake. If someone isn't wearing their mask, remind them politely to mask it up. If you get shushed or they don't listen, out they go. Again, I'm not so sure that's what happened here. I think that staff member was likely ill-trained to deal with patrons from what it sounds like. Classic mountain out of a molehill here.
    Tim does NOT possess people skills, plain and simple. I do not mean that to be pejorative. He likes to control his domain, as do most people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I just find it odd that a man who pretty much donated his life to helping others (via being a large benefactor to The Salvation Army) seemingly holds so much contempt for his patrons. I said seemingly, so prove me wrong.

    People have been telling old school guys like Tim and Steve Young that they are doing it wrong for decades, yet they've managed to achieve their goals well beyond the scope of almost anybody else in pinball. They've given and continue to give back to the hobby more than any of the naysayers by an unmeasurable margin.

    They've already proved you wrong.

    #77 2 years ago
    Quoted from CrazyLevi:

    People have been telling old school guys like Tim and Steve Young that are doing it wrong for decades, yet they've managed to achieve their goals and build massive pinball empires that give back to the hobby more than any of the naysayers by an unmeasurable margin.
    They've already proved you wrong.

    No one is saying you can't be a jerk and still be successful. The world is full of successful jerks. It would just be nicer if we didn't have to deal with so many of them.

    Just to be clear - I have never dealt with Tim, so I don't know him. I have dealt with Steve, and while he can be gruff, he's actually a good guy.

    #78 2 years ago

    I’m fully vaccinated and went again yesterday, had a great time. Wore the mask when I drank their bottled water had it down to do so. Illinois has mask requirements so I’m use to it in public.
    I also brought my weight lifting gloves and used them to play. It was no big deal and the amount of games to play was awesome. First time I could play some newly released pins since the lock down last March. Totally worth it.

    Btw if you go to a Vegas hotel pool they require masks even sitting in a lounge chair reading a book etc. I’ve seen some guest asked to put up masks after taking a drag of their cigarette.
    I’ve never wore a mask for so much of the day.
    They also cap pool occupancy we had to switch
    To Mandalay Bay to avoid not having access to the pool.
    Cheers

    #79 2 years ago
    Quoted from mbeardsley:

    Just to be clear - I have never dealt with Tim, so I don't know him. I have dealt with Steve, and while he can be gruff, he's actually a good guy.

    So is Tim!

    Dude didn't even know me 20 years ago and offered to pick me up from the Vegas airport and take me to his hanger full of games. He did the same for tons of people I know.

    Not saying they can't rub people the wrong way but don't expect them to change now. Like I said before, they are relics of a past that all of the aging people here seem to want to come back...except when they ask for a part number or insist you wear a mask I guess?

    #80 2 years ago
    Quoted from mbeardsley:

    No one is saying you can't be a jerk and still be successful. The world is full of successful jerks. It would just be nicer if we didn't have to deal with so many of them.
    Just to be clear - I have never dealt with Tim, so I don't know him. I have dealt with Steve, and while he can be gruff, he's actually a good guy.

    You ever think about it from their direction? If they were not sick & tired of dealing with customers being "jerks" and not complying with the rules maybe they wouldn't be such jerks. My dad was one of the most abrasive people I have ever known but things didn't go down that path until customers sent things in that direction.

    Life really isn't all that complicated - follow the house rules or don't enter the house! If it is my house and people break my rules I have no obligation to be Mr. Nice Guy.

    Tim has never really been known as a "people person" so if your expecting something different maybe PHOF is not for you. But if you walk in the front door - leave Tim and the staff alone and just enjoy playing the hundreds of games that are working it is likely you will never have an issue with Tim or the staff. If you want to be a PITA it is already known they don't put up with that well.

    If you walk in the door complaining because a handful of machines are not working or because you lost a quarter that is not going to take you to a "happy place". If you don't like something about the place no one is forcing you to be their. But don't expect Tim to change a business model that has served him well for decades.

    And for those of you with the comments about the place will be "begging for money again" after running all the customers off. Tim has never had an issue in the past - the go-fund-me was to keep the move on track. Building a 10 million dollar building with no bank loans is not an easy task but that task got even harder because of the Corona Virus mess and Tim just asked for a little help to get to the other side. Things will be just fine now that the deadline for moving out of the old building is behind him.

    The only thing I can tell you 100% for sure is you are not going to change a guy that has been doing it "his way" for nearly 50 years and it has worked for him.

    As always just my 2 cents on things. Bottom line love him or hate him Tim is going to keep doing it his way!

    #81 2 years ago

    Just a "quick note" before this thread gets even more "derailed". Anyone have any new pictures?

    Has anyone been past the old place and if so are they totally done getting moved out yet? If I remember correctly May was the deadline before it started costing Tim a heck of a lot of extra rent money so I am just curious how they made out getting that old building emptied.

    Maybe if Tim see this post he can let everyone know how he did or if he needs more help from anyone local. Hopefully that part of the process is behind him by now but I know it takes a lot of time & work to move that much stuff. Machines are one thing but all the little BS at the end is really the hardest part of any move.

    #82 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid.
    It is simple. WEAR A MASK! No part way, not just a gauze covering or a face shield, A FULL MASK, all the time.
    99 percent of our customers have NO problem with this reasonable requirement.
    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.
    The science of wearing a mask is solid. It is not painful or limiting. It DOES help stop the spread of Covid.
    Our position is simple. Mask up or get out.
    Playing a stupid marble game is never worth anyone getting sick.
    Also, keep in mind that in a loud room, our staff, who ARE wearing masks, must speak loudly to be heard. Some people take this as gruffness or rudeness.
    All of us at the PHOF are getting very tired of telling people over and over to mind simple public health rules that are for everyone's protection. Playing some stupid mind-game with grown adults who refuse to be safe also takes us away from working on improving the machines.
    Government goons kicking down your front door in the middle of the night IS an issue of FREEDOM. Not being allowed to vote IS a FREEDOM issue. Wearing a simple cloth over your mouth and nose is just common courtesy. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    Hi Tim

    we have met several times over the years and know your character well and its fine by me, i support your Pinball cause 100% and each time in Vegas i swing by your place and that's been well over a hundred times to throw a number out there. Never had an issue with you or your staff/volunteers.

    I know pandemic makes people paranoid and everyone must wear masks everywhere and we comply to that rule, walking in the casino's many people have no mask at all which is not good and they should definitely enforce this better for all peoples safety coming and going.

    With that said we were both wearing masks when we entered your new Place, while playing a game we dropped it just under our noses as i explained earlier why. We put it back over our noses when asked since we do understand rules are rules but the way we were approached is wrong.
    No excuses about being tired or being loud in there while 6 people only are playing or whatever excuse will make up for this behavior.

    Even reading your message, it sounds all so angry and that comes across also from all your people there!!
    Again ,there are no excuses to address people in such manner, period. I would not even treat my worst enemy like that.

    Also i wanted to mentioned that there are no hand sanitizing stations in the new place insight or anyone was cleaning the lock bars/ buttons after playing a machine .
    i would suggest again your staff/volunteers need to get training, counseling what ever you call it to make this a pleasant place.

    Hope to return one day again to place , i enjoyed the old location so much over the years.

    -1
    #83 2 years ago
    Quoted from rvdv:

    Hi Tim
    we have met several times over the years and know your character well and its fine by me, i support your Pinball cause 100% and each time in Vegas i swing by your place and that's been well over a hundred times to throw a number out there. Never had an issue with you or your staff/volunteers.
    I know pandemic makes people paranoid and everyone must wear masks everywhere and we comply to that rule, walking in the casino's many people have no mask at all which is not good and they should definitely enforce this better for all peoples safety coming and going.
    With that said we were both wearing masks when we entered your new Place, while playing a game we dropped it just under our noses as i explained earlier why. We put it back over our noses when asked since we do understand rules are rules but the way we were approached is wrong.
    No excuses about being tired or being loud in there while 6 people only are playing or whatever excuse will make up for this behavior.
    Even reading your message, it sounds all so angry and that comes across also from all your people there!!
    Again ,there are no excuses to address people in such manner, period. I would not even treat my worst enemy like that.
    Also i wanted to mentioned that there are no hand sanitizing stations in the new place insight or anyone was cleaning the lock bars/ buttons after playing a machine .
    i would suggest again your staff/volunteers need to get training, counseling what ever you call it to make this a pleasant place.
    Hope to return one day again to place , i enjoyed the old location so much over the years.

    Instead of saying Tim & the staff sound "angry" how about we call it EXHAUSTED after what they have had to do in just a few short months? How you ever moved- have you ever had a shortfall of cash - are you always in a great and happy mood? Think about what Tim and his staff have been through over the past couple months. Most places would have closed down for a month or two while getting things set up. They moved from one location to another without missing a beat. That is hard to "pull off" during normal times and we are in the middle of a pandemic!

    I know the negative people will just keep it up with the negative comments but it really gets under my skin that people don't understand what a stressful few months this has been for Tim & the staff at PHOF. How about we cut them a little slack right now and see if things get a little better once they are settled in?

    #85 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    I totally agree
    I work at a retail store and Iam tired of arguing with people about simple rules that our company requires to enter the building
    We don’t make the rules we just have to comply or we will be out of a job
    In the last 2 days me and a co worker have been close to getting into fights 3 times. It’s not worth my job or my time fighting with this idiots
    Follow the rules or go somewhere else

    20
    #86 2 years ago
    Quoted from too-many-pins:

    Instead of saying Tim & the staff sound "angry" how about we call it EXHAUSTED after what they have had to do in just a few short months? How you ever moved- have you ever had a shortfall of cash - are you always in a great and happy mood? Think about what Tim and his staff have been through over the past couple months. Most places would have closed down for a month or two while getting things set up. They moved from one location to another without missing a beat. That is hard to "pull off" during normal times and we are in the middle of a pandemic!
    I know the negative people will just keep it up with the negative comments but it really gets under my skin that people don't understand what a stressful few months this has been for Tim & the staff at PHOF. How about we cut them a little slack right now and see if things get a little better once they are settled in?

    This behaviour has been going on for years...has nothing to do with being busy, moving, new location, covid, masks etc.
    Its poor customer service, year in and year out, I have witnessed it personally in at least half or more of my 20+ visits.
    I come back year after year because I believe in what Tim does, tourists from Ohio wont

    #87 2 years ago

    Just swung by the new location today. My love for this place is boundless. It is a giant old school arcade - get a big pocketful of quarters, wander the rows of games. Tim and co. are like the many arcade owners I remember growing up, they brook no nonsense. That's how I like my arcades.

    #88 2 years ago
    Quoted from m00nmuppet:

    Just swung by the new location today. My love for this place is boundless. It is a giant old school arcade - get a big pocketful of quarters, wander the rows of games. Tim and co. are like the many arcade owners I remember growing up, they brook no nonsense. That's how I like my arcades.

    What is "brooking no nonsense"?

    #89 2 years ago
    Quoted from Pinbub:

    What is "brooking no nonsense"?

    Brook is a stuffy way of saying put up with.

    LTG : )

    -1
    #90 2 years ago
    Quoted from cosmokramer:

    This behaviour has been going on for years...has nothing to do with being busy, moving, new location, covid, masks etc.
    Its poor customer service, year in and year out, I have witnessed it personally in at least half or more of my 20+ visits.
    I come back year after year because I believe in what Tim does, tourists from Ohio wont

    OK - How about we look at this from another direction. Why the hell do people think Tim is going to change his ways when he is perhaps the most successful arcade owner in the world? He retired when he was around 40 years old with a huge collection of arcade and pinball machines and a boat load of money. Moved to Vegas and shared those machines with people for free at his home for years. Then opens an arcade in Vegas giving all profits to charity.

    15 (or so) years later he builds a Ten Million Dollar building debt free on the profits from his arcade business and people think he should change the way he does things?

    The next argument I expect to hear is "doesn't he have a two million dollar load on that building" - the answer to that is PHOF has a two million loan to the non-profit from Tim personally and that personal money came from his successful arcade business. So basically every dime of the new PHOF came from Tim's arcade business except for the go-fund-me money he raised to keep the move from the old location to the new location on time.

    If you think you can do it better than Tim start your own arcade and see how you make out. I doubt you be anywhere near as successful as he has been.

    I have only met Tim a couple times in person and I do agree he was one of the most unfriendly people I have ever met. But that is Tim and I fully expected it when I walked in the door. If people don't like Tim or don't like the way they are treated when they go into his house just don't go to his house again. But stop beating a dead horse thinking you are going to change Tim and the way he runs his business (or non-profit).

    PLEASE can we get off the subject of "Tim is not much of a people person" and get back to sharing information about & pictures of the new location!

    I think we can all agree if Tim & his staff were more friendly they would raise even more money and maybe that is the motivation Tim needs to try and soften up a bit but time will tell. In all honesty I don't expect that to happen but it surely would help his cause if it did. For now all I can say is best of luck to Tim & everyone else involved with PHOF & the balance of the move. And thanks for all you have done for the hobby & charity!

    #92 2 years ago
    Quoted from timarnold:

    The Government gives standards that we are required to enforce when it comes to Covid.
    It is simple. WEAR A MASK! No part way, not just a gauze covering or a face shield, A FULL MASK, all the time.
    99 percent of our customers have NO problem with this reasonable requirement.
    Others chose to frame this as a personal freedom issue and refuse to comply.
    The science of wearing a mask is solid. It is not painful or limiting. It DOES help stop the spread of Covid.
    Our position is simple. Mask up or get out.
    Playing a stupid marble game is never worth anyone getting sick.
    Also, keep in mind that in a loud room, our staff, who ARE wearing masks, must speak loudly to be heard. Some people take this as gruffness or rudeness.
    All of us at the PHOF are getting very tired of telling people over and over to mind simple public health rules that are for everyone's protection. Playing some stupid mind-game with grown adults who refuse to be safe also takes us away from working on improving the machines.
    Government goons kicking down your front door in the middle of the night IS an issue of FREEDOM. Not being allowed to vote IS a FREEDOM issue. Wearing a simple cloth over your mouth and nose is just common courtesy. Grow up, shut up and mask up!

    ^^ THIS ^^

    #93 2 years ago
    Quoted from too-many-pins:

    OK - How about we look at this from another direction. Why the hell do people think Tim is going to change his ways when he is perhaps the most successful arcade owner in the world? He retired when he was around 40 years old with a huge collection of arcade and pinball machines and a boat load of money. Moved to Vegas and shared those machines with people for free at his home for years. Then opens an arcade in Vegas giving all profits to charity.
    15 (or so) years later he builds a Ten Million Dollar building debt free on the profits from his arcade business and people think he should change the way he does things?
    The next argument I expect to hear is "doesn't he have a two million dollar load on that building" - the answer to that is PHOF has a two million loan to the non-profit from Tim personally and that personal money came from his successful arcade business. So basically every dime of the new PHOF came from Tim's arcade business except for the go-fund-me money he raised to keep the move from the old location to the new location on time.
    If you think you can do it better than Tim start your own arcade and see how you make out. I doubt you be anywhere near as successful as he has been.
    I have only met Tim a couple times in person and I do agree he was one of the most unfriendly people I have ever met. But that is Tim and I fully expected it when I walked in the door. If people don't like Tim or don't like the way they are treated when they go into his house just don't go to his house again. But stop beating a dead horse thinking you are going to change Tim and the way he runs his business (or non-profit).
    PLEASE can we get off the subject of "Tim is not much of a people person" and get back to sharing information about & pictures of the new location!
    I think we can all agree if Tim & his staff were more friendly they would raise even more money and maybe that is the motivation Tim needs to try and soften up a bit but time will tell. In all honesty I don't expect that to happen but it surely would help his cause if it did. For now all I can say is best of luck to Tim & everyone else involved with PHOF & the balance of the move. And thanks for all you have done for the hobby & charity!

    Since I was one of the "negative" comments from a few days ago I guess I'll try to respond to your posts you have had. I don't think anyone here is expecting Mickey Mouse like you said earlier I think if we expected Disney World that would be extremely foolish. What we are expecting is what we really expect out of everyone in this world , that is to be cordial and treat others as you treat them. There has been a boat load of stories from all these years of the opposite and that's what is frustrating. I go to Vegas several times a year and I've had buddies come through the PHOF who really don't even have nearly the interest I have in this hobby. All have had less then ideal experiences. We all may know Tim and have our expectations but the new customers or people not even into Pinball going through these scenarios suck because the PHOF is awesome and one of the best places to learn and get into our hobby. Getting a rough welcome could put people off on getting our disease. I would hope everyone going there could feel like a kid at a candy store with all of the cool shit.

    #94 2 years ago

    The average person wandering in to the place (after noticing his giant pinball sign) is not going to be expecting a rude response when they walk in the door. They will have no knowledge of Tim's personal history or how successful he has been despite "not being a people person".

    They will expect to have a fun time seeing/playing the machines (and to at least be treated respectfully until such time as they have demonstrated that they do not deserve to be).

    To dissuade people from having these expectations, perhaps Tim should hang a sign saying "All those entering should expect to be treated rudely and with dis-respect. No, we're not kidding."

    Of course, that might put a damper on his walk-in business.

    -1
    #95 2 years ago
    Quoted from mbeardsley:

    The average person wandering in to the place (after noticing his giant pinball sign) is not going to be expecting a rude response when they walk in the door. They will have no knowledge of Tim's personal history or how successful he has been despite "not being a people person".
    They will expect to have a fun time seeing/playing the machines (and to at least be treated respectfully until such time as they have demonstrated that they do not deserve to be).
    To dissuade people from having these expectations, perhaps Tim should hang a sign saying "All those entering should expect to be treated rudely and with dis-respect. No, we're not kidding."
    Of course, that might put a damper on his walk-in business.

    PLEASE UNDERSTAND - I agree with what everyone who has posted about the treatment they experienced while at PHOF and I agree it is far from ideal. My point is I doubt posting about it here or saying anything to Tim & his staff is going to change anything. It is hard to teach an "old dog new tricks".

    I am a couple years older than Tim and remember the days when shit that "doesn't fly" today was OK behavior back "in the day". The example I use with my wife all of the time is I am afraid to tell a woman her outfit looks nice because I don't want it to look like "sexual harassment" so I keep my mouth shut. Sometimes I say something to my wife after the person walks away like "did you see that top that girl in front of us had on? - that had a really neat look to it". But sadly you can't say that to the woman wearing it these days. Back in the 70's you could say "nice ass" and it was OK but times have changed. My point being it is the same with people going into an arcade. Back in the 70's you could say "get the hell out of hear if you can't clean up the language you are using" or "if you want to come into the place you have to get rid of that can of beer (or soda) in your hand" now customers think you are picking on them if you give them a hard time about stuff.

    What is "sad" in my eyes, & I think this is the point many of you have been trying to make, is that Tim now has a great new building and the place has a great look and feel but still has the same shitty attitude as far as the feeling you get while being their. Maybe that will improve over time but in all honesty I kind of doubt it.

    17
    #96 2 years ago

    We visited Saturday and lucked out that it had just opened. We visited the old location once years ago and while nice, was dingy, dark and dated. The new location is amazing, has plenty of space and was the perfect location. The temperature inside was perfect, the place was immaculate and was very well laid out. The Uber driver had trouble with the drop off but that’s more on him not following directions and saying ‘I know where it is’ and trying to find the old place from memory.

    The older lady at the front area who greeted us was the nicest person we’ve ever met and have nothing but nice things to say about her. She took the time to chat with us, explain the layout, give a little history, answered our questions, give some game recommendations and have no idea why there’s so much negativity towards her. There were lots of volunteers fixing and tweaking games and thought the place was very well run. My only critical comment is that there were a handful of games out of service but she was very clear they are in a soft open mode and honestly, since it’s pay per game, it’s not like we felt short changed if it was pay one price.

    We would not hesitate to come back next time we’re in town and actually look forward to it. This was one of the highlights of our 4 day jaunt to Vegas. Kudos to whoever runs this and organized the move. I’m sure it was no easy task and both me and my partner loved it here.

    #97 2 years ago
    Quoted from rvdv:

    ...we were both wearing masks when we entered your new Place, while playing a game we dropped it just under our noses as i explained earlier why..

    By the way, quick tip from someone who also wears glasses and is bothered by the fogging from masks: when it happens, pull your glasses a bit further down your nose (like how you'd see someone looking over the top of a pair of sunglasses). It's a little awkward, but it lets more air through and your glasses will be less likely to fog up.

    #98 2 years ago
    Quoted from driph:

    By the way, quick tip from someone who also wears glasses and is bothered by the fogging from masks: when it happens, pull your glasses a bit further down your nose (like how you'd see someone looking over the top of a pair of sunglasses). It's a little awkward, but it lets more air through and your glasses will be less likely to fog up.

    I work a length of stiff wire into the hem of a cloth mask and bend it to fit my nose and all the way under my eyes, like an industrial version of the metal strip on paper masks.

    Problem solved!

    15
    #99 2 years ago

    Best place to spend $20 in Vegas!

    20210428_113958 (resized).jpg20210428_113958 (resized).jpg
    #100 2 years ago

    After reading through this entire thread, it amuses me the gymnastics the PHOF cheerleaders go through justifying Tim's shitty behavior. In my experiences with him, direct and observed, he has been a jerk. If he didn't have his arcade, no-one would want to be around him at all.

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