Time to Channel the Pinball Wizard Within

Clubhouse Arcade operator Alex Harmon working the flippers and avoiding the drain

Clubhouse Arcade’s annual tourney to honor Rich Tanis

By Zoe Wilbur

Just outside downtown Fremont lies Clubhouse Arcade, hosting over 100 pinball, arcade, and redemption machines. Every year, the arcade hosts a large charity pinball tournament during the National Baby Food Festival (NBFF). This year the tournament is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association in memory of a wonderful family member and friend, Rich Tanis.  

    In March 2023, our cousin Rich passed away unexpectedly due to a heart attack, leaving behind many loving family members and friends. It was a deep loss for all those who knew Rich, because to know him was to love him. He was the life of the party, and a man who treated everyone he met like family. Rich was a huge supporter of Clubhouse Arcade’s charity pinball tournaments and when the tournaments were held downtown, he spent hours canvasing around town encouraging folks to come check us out. This is why we have chosen to hold a memorial pinball tournament in honor of Rich. 

    “The reason we love to hold charity pinball tournaments is because not only do we get to support causes we care about, but they tend to be more approachable for both new and seasoned players,” commented arcade operator, Alex Harmon. “We like to create a friendly tournament atmosphere that everyone feels comfortable playing in, whether this is your first time hitting the flipper buttons or your 1,000th – it doesn’t matter to us, we just want you to have a good time while supporting a good cause.” And that is truly what this event is all about - coming together to have fun, just as Rich would have wanted. 

    The fun will begin on Tuesday, June 16 (4:00pm-9:00pm), and continue Thursday, July 18 (1:00pm-9:00pm), Friday, July 19 (1:00pm-9:00pm), and Saturday, July 20 (1:00pm-9:00pm). Each day there will be multiple pinball tournaments that folks can enter including: a Thursday Daily tournament (with finals on Thursday at 7:30pm), a Friday Daily tournament (with finals on Friday at 7:30pm), a John Wick Launch Party (with finals on Saturday at 8:00pm), a Main Division tournament, and a Classics Division tournament. To enter a tournament, all you must do is submit scores on the selected machines – and just by doing so you will become a world ranked pinball player! How about that for a fun thing to brag about? If you catch the bug and want to participate in the Main or Classics Division tournaments finals, they will be held on Sunday, July 21 at 1:00pm (arcade opens at 10:00am for tournament players only). As an added incentive, Ameriprise Financial, office of Phil Harmon, Zoe Wilbur & Trey Schuiteman in Fremont, has committed to donating $10 for every person who successfully enters the Main and/or Classics Division tournaments. So, bring a friend and help us rack up the donations! 

    In addition to pinball tournaments, Clubhouse Arcade also invites you to come on down and play “The Price is Right” Plinko. The large-scale version of Plinko will be available to be played during all open hours of the event – first play is FREE and each additional play is $5, with proceeds being donated to the American Heart Association in memory of Rich Tanis. Everyone who plays is a winner, and when you hit the 100, 200, 300, or 500, you will receive raffle tickets to enter to win one of the grand prize baskets! Local Fremont businesses have donated awesome prizes and each basket is valued at $50+. 

    The arcade will also be open for regular game play. You do not have to participate in the tournaments or Plinko to come out and have a good time! With over 100 machines to be played, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. The cost to play, whether regular game play or tournament play (or both!), is a suggested donation of $5+. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association in memory of Rich Tanis. 

    There is no doubt Rich knew how to have a good time wherever he went and whatever he was doing, so we hope to honor him by having an enjoyable and successful event. We hope you will come out and join us at the Rich Tanis Pinball Tournaments where folks of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate!

    Clubhouse Arcade is located at 7020 W. 48th Street, Fremont, Michigan. The arcade is open to the public most Tuesdays (4:00pm-9:00pm), Fridays (1:00pm-9:00pm), and Saturdays (1:00pm-9:00pm). The arcade is also available to be privately rented for parties and events. Be sure to check out Clubhouse Arcade on Facebook for any changes to these hours or to contact a staff member with questions.