GARLAND, Texas – What started as a quiet monthly meetup for pinball fanatics has quickly budded in an “underground” pinball scene and all happening in an unassuming suburban area arcade. Pinballers have been meeting up once a month at Side Quest Arcade to battle it out competitively in internationally recognized pinball and this month, the stakes are higher than ever, because every tilt and high score is feeding the hungry.
The beloved Firewheel Town Center arcade is preparing for its annual Turkey Tilt Pinball Tournament, but this year, the competition marks a significant milestone: the one-year anniversary of its monthly pinball wars. It also doubles as a major fundraiser, with 100% of the tournament’s participant admission fees being donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
“It’s been incredible seeing the community grow over the past year,” says Colin Wood, the tournament’s director and a fixture in the local pinball world. “We’ve gone from a few dedicated regulars to a packed house every single month. To mark our anniversary by putting those competitive spirits toward such a critical cause – fighting hunger right here in North Texas – makes every ball worth flipping.”
The Ball is Wild: A Competitive Comeback Story
When players step up to one of the arcade’s two-dozen modern and vintage machines-from the heavy metal roar of a Metallica table to the classic chaos of Star Trek-they aren’t just playing for bragging rights. They are competing for points on the coveted International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) circuit.
The tournament format is fierce, often rotating between cutthroat “Group Knockouts” (four strikes and you’re out) and high-speed “Flip Frenzy” (rapid-fire head-to-head matches). The atmosphere is a nostalgic 8-bit den, with spectators cheering on near-misses and celebrating dramatic multi-ball recoveries.
For the participants of the upcoming Turkey Tilt, the pressure is on. Not only is the local title and a boost in global ranking on the line but the chance to contribute a massive group donation to a crucial charity.
The Details You Need:
- What: The Turkey Tilt Pinball Tournament (A North Texas Food Bank Charity Event)
- Where: Side Quest Arcade, 430 Winecup Way Garland, TX 75040
- When: Thursday November 20th 2025, 7:00pm
- Why: To celebrate one year of competitive pinball and raise money to fight hunger.
It’s a perfect blend of competitive spirit and community heart. If you’re ready to test your skills or just want to witness a genuine, high-octane Texas arcade battle, get down to Side Quest Arcade. Just be sure to bring your best, because in this underground scene, the silver ball has never been heavier.
Click here to learn more about Side Quest Arcade and Pinball Events in Texas.
