PAPA: All About PAPA

History

PAPA, the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association, was founded by Steve Epstein at his world-famous Broadway Arcade in New York City. Steve ran six world championships, with the last one being held in Las Vegas, before retiring and passing the reins to Kevin Martin.

In Steve's own words:

The beginning of what was to become PAPA began in the late 1970's when Roger Sharpe along with a third player Lionel Martinez started keeping track of our competition together. We logged over 10,000 sets of games over a four/five year period. From that data we developed the league scoring system used in the first PAPA league play around 1985/1986. This lead to the tournaments in the early 1990's. I guess meeting Roger at the Arcade in 1975 and starting to play together on a daily basis not only led to a great and lasting friendship, but to the world of competitive pinball.

Beginning in 1991, PAPA has operated the following tournaments:

• PAPA 14 - August 11-14, 2011
• Pinburgh 2011 - March 18-20, 2011
• PAPA 13 - August 12-15, 2010
• PAPA 12 - August 13-16, 2009
• PAPA 11 - August 14-17, 2008
• PAPA 10 - October 11-14, 2007
• PAPA 9 - August 17-20, 2006
• PAPA 8 - August 11-14, 2005
• PAPA 7 - September 9-12, 2004
• PAPA 6 - February 5-8, 1998
• PAPA 5 - February 3-5, 1995
• PAPA 4 - February 4-6, 1994
• PAPA 3 - February 12-14, 1993
• PAPA 2 - February 1-2, 1992 (winner: Rick Stetta)
• PAPA 1 - February 2, 1991 (winner: Joey Cartegena)

Our Goals

Under the new management, PAPA's goal has been to create and promote the world's greatest pinball tournaments, encouraging friendly competition and the spread of enthusiasm for pinball. Towards that end, we have created our Tournament Circuit, built up two world-class annual tournaments, and enhanced the Pinball Archive with its video collection. We have many other plans - stay tuned :)

World Headquarters

In Scott Township, Pennsylvania, PAPA acquired and renovated a 40,000 square foot warehouse to create the PAPA World Headquarters. Pictures of the renovation are available here. On September 17, 2004, shortly after the PAPA 7 World Pinball Championships, the facility was devastated by a major flood. All of the pinball machines were destroyed, along with many of the built-in improvements, bathrooms, carpeting, etc. However, we rebuilt the facility and the collection of pinball machines, in time for the following year's championships.

Features of the Headquarters include:

• 30,000-plus square feet dedicated to pinball
• more than 400 pinball machines for tournament play and practice banks
• an assortment of classic video games and specialty games such as Tattoo Assassins and Pump It Up
• projection screen and Internet kiosks for reviewing live standings
• restroom and vending facilities
• catering on-site during tournament events
• on-site parking
• easy access to I-79, I-279, and nearby hotels

This facility is open to the public only for pinball tournaments and special events. We do not offer private parties at this time, nor do we sell any machines or run a league.

The facility is located in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, near the intersection of I-79 and I-279. When attending our events, please use the following address:

100 Keystone Dr.
Carnegie, PA 15106

Please note that the numbering on Keystone Drive is somewhat arbitrary. Keystone Drive may not appear on some maps, or may incorrectly appear to the north of Noblestown Road.

A simplified, printable map is available here in PDF format.

Directions from the South

Driving north on I-79, take Exit 57 and turn right onto Noblestown Road. After approximately 0.7 miles, you will cross railroad tracks. Immediately turn right onto Hammond Street (no traffic light). You will cross a small bridge and railroad tracks. Immediately bear left onto Keystone Drive. PAPA is in the one-story white building in front of you.

Directions from the North

Driving south on I-79, take I-279 North towards Pittsburgh. From I-279, take Exit 2 and keep right towards Carnegie (not Heidelberg). This becomes Mansfield Blvd and then W Main St. Drive straight through six traffic lights, for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Hammond Street (no traffic light). You will cross a small bridge and railroad tracks. Immediately bear left onto Keystone Drive. PAPA is in the one-story white building in front of you.

Directions from the West

Driving east on I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), take Exit 28 onto I-79 South. Follow "Directions from the North".

Directions from the East

Driving west on I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), take Exit 57 onto I-376 West. Proceed through the Squirrel Hill tunnel. Proceed through the Fort Pitt tunnel onto I-279 South. Take Exit 2 and keep right towards Carnegie (not Heidelberg). Proceed as described under "Directions from the North".

Directions from the Airport

Drive on Highway PA-60 South for 6.5 miles. The road becomes Highway US-22 East. After approximately 4 miles, the road becomes I-279 North (do not take I-79 South). Take Exit 2, stay in the right lane, and turn right at the first light. Drive straight through one traffic light and turn left at the next traffic light. You will be on Mansfield Blvd. Proceed as described under "Directions from the North", going through only five traffic lights (you turned left at the first of six).