2026 Summer Pinball Classic – Stern Pro Circuit Event!
2026 Summer Pinball Classic
August 13th–16th, 2026
District 82 Pinball – De Pere, Wisconsin
– Wisconsin’s Only 2026 Stern Pro Circuit Event –
The 2026 Summer Pinball Classic features 4 major tournaments over 4 days (Thursday–Sunday), including:
- 2 IFPA Certified Tournaments (250% Points)
- Stern Pro Circuit Certified Main Event
- 2 Knockout Tournaments
- A / B / C Division Finals in the Main Event (Everyone makes finals)
If you come early:
- 5 Tournaments over 5 days (arrive Wednesday)
- 6 Tournaments over 6 days (arrive Tuesday)
All 6 tournaments are IFPA approved for WPPR points.
Brief Summary
The Summer Pinball Classic is designed for serious competitive players who want maximum meaningful play.
You will play:
- 10 rounds of Certified Classics qualifying (Thursday)
- 10 rounds of Stern Pro Circuit Main Event qualifying (Friday/Saturday)
- Finals in A, B, or C Division on Sunday
- Two knockout tournaments (Friday & Saturday)
- Optional Tuesday & Wednesday pre-events
Everyone who plays the Main Event qualifies for Sunday Finals in either A, B, or C Division. There are no IFPA rank restrictions.
All 100+ games at District 82 are on free play the entire weekend. You may practice before rounds, between rounds, and during breaks.
Only exception is you may not practice on machines that are in the finals the morning of or during finals themselves.
Returning Players
If you came last year everything is the same. I just re-wrote the webpage to be easier to understand, clarify dates, update logo, registration procedure, prices, etc.
I didn’t change any formats or how we do things. You can just register and have a good time!
Play More Pinball!
Optional Pre-Events (Separate Registration & Cost)
These events are separate from the Summer Pinball Classic.
They require separate registration and payment at the door.
No cash prize pools for these two events (WPPR points & trophies only).
Tuesday – August 11, 2026
Tilt’n Tuesday Tournament
5PM Doors Open
6PM Tournament Starts
$28 paid at door
Register here:
https://district82.com/event/2026-tiltn-tuesday-16/
Wednesday – August 12, 2026
Beat The Clock – 5 Hour Timed Classics Match Play
5PM Doors Open
6PM–11PM Tournament
$25 paid at door
Register here:
https://district82.com/event/beat-the-clock-tournament-spc-2026/
IFPA & Stern Pro Circuit Status
The 2 Certified Tournaments (Classics + Main Event) will run at:
- 200% Base TGP
- 25% Format Booster
- Total 250% WPPR value each
Minimum 48 players required to maintain full certified finals structure.
If fewer than 48 players:
- Finals reduced to 50% of field
- Event grades at 200% TGP
Knockout tournaments expected to grade near 100% TGP.
Tilt’n Tuesday grades approximately 112% TGP.
Cost
$310 if paid by June 13th, 2026
$340 if paid after June 13th, 2026
Breakdown:
Admission Portion (paid to District 82):
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$210
Includes:
• Free play on all games
• Sales tax
• IFPA endorsement fees
• Stern Pro Circuit fee
• Credit card processing fees
• Trophies
Prize Pool Portion:
-
$130 per player (100% returned to players)
With 100 players, total prize pool = $13,000
$0 in fees comes out of the prize pool money
100% of that money will be paid to players as prize money
This single registration covers all 4 tournaments Thursday–Sunday.
Tuesday & Wednesday are separate events.
Prize Pool Breakdown Per Player
$70 → Stern Pro Circuit Main Event
$40 → Certified Classics
$10 → 8 Strike Knockout
$10 → 3 Strike Knockout
Capacity
110 Players Maximum 150 Players Maximum
This event sold out last year
Registration
Registration Opens:
Saturday April 18th, 2026 at 11:00AM Central Time
Up to 10% (11 players) may be pre-registered (sponsors, prior champions, event support staff).
Registration is a 2-Step Process
Step 1 – Register
At exactly 11:00AM Central on April 18:
- Refresh this page (F5)
- Click the blue “Register” button
- Submit name and email
- One person per submission
This secures your spot.
Step 2 – Pay
PAY ONLY after registering, submit payment.
You may:
• Pay by credit card (Square link below)
• Pay via PayPal (merchant or friends/family) to:
[email protected]
• Pay cash in person for a $10 discount
If paying cash:
- Email stating when you will pay
- Cash discount is $10 off current rate
- Example: Cash price = $340 – $10 = $330
Failure to pay or communicate payment timing may result in removal from registration list.
Your spot is NOT guaranteed until both registration AND payment are completed.
If you pay but fail to secure a registration spot, your money will be refunded (minus any processing fees incurred by District 82).
Buy Now (Credit Card Payment via Square)
Register First.
Then complete payment below.
Do NOT pay if:
- You are not registered
- You are on the waitlist
You will be contacted if moved from waitlist to registered via email. If no response we will move onto the next person.
Venue
District 82 Pinball
800 O’Keefe Rd
De Pere, WI 54115
We will NOT be open to the public during this event.
This is a private event for registered players only.
Guests may briefly stop by but may not remain during tournament play.
You may come and go throughout the weekend.
All 100+ games are on free play.
You may:
- Bring your own food
- BYOB
- Order food delivery
- Bring a cooler (limited fridge space)
Bottled water is free (Sponsored by Lumberjack Johnny’s)
Soda is $1 per can
Lighting
Thursday–Sunday:
Overhead house lighting ON.
Tuesday & Wednesday pre-events:
Overhead lighting OFF.
Hotel Deals
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – De Pere
2.1 miles from District 82
Rates start at $109/night
Promo Code: DIST82
https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=37764&Chain=7721&promo=DIST82
Nuks Executive Suites – De Pere
Call: (920) 425-7129
Email: [email protected]
Mention District 82 for 15% discount
Kress Inn – De Pere
Up to 15% discount
Call 800-221-5070 and reference District 82 Pinball
Online booking link:
http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/ArrivalInfo?hotel=WI118&srp=LDIS82&pu=no
Schedule of Events
August 11th–16th, 2026
Tuesday – August 11th
5PM Doors Open
6PM–11PM Tilt’n Tuesday ($28)
Wednesday – August 12th
5PM Doors Open
6PM–11PM Beat The Clock ($25)
Thursday – August 13th
11AM Doors Open
12PM–9:30PM Certified Classics Qualifying
4PM–7PM Food Truck Jamaica Mi Krazy
4:30–6:00PM Dinner Break
10PM $5 Volley (1 Ball, $5 Entry, Winner Take All) — This is optional and not included in your entry fee.
Friday – August 14th
8AM Doors Open
9AM–4PM 3 Strike Knockout
9:15AM–4PM Certified Classics Finals
11AM–7PM Meade Street Bistro Food Truck
12:00–12:30 Short Lunch Break
4PM–11:30PM Main Event Qualifying Rounds 1–5
Saturday – August 15th
8AM Doors Open
9AM–3PM Main Event Qualifying Rounds 6–10
11AM–7PM Meade Street Bistro Food Truck
3PM–4PM Break
4PM–12:30AM 8 Strike Fair Strikes Knockout
Sunday – August 16th
8AM Doors Open
9AM–4:30PM Main Event A/B/C Finals
11AM–2PM Food Truck Jamaica Mi Krazy
Prizes
Trophies & Plaques
Plaques or trophies will be awarded to the top 4 players in each tournament.
Prize Money Overview
100% of the prize pool goes back to players in the form of checks from District 82.
- Certified Classics Event Finals – Top 16
- Certified Main Event Finals – A Division Top 16, B Division Top 8, C Division Top 8
- 3 Strike Knockout – Top 8
- 8 Strike Fair Strikes Knockout – Top 8
Note: The 3 Strike Knockout prize pool is based on the number of players in the Certified Classics Event since many qualifying players may not compete in this alternate tournament. For example, if 100 players are in the main event but only 76 play the 3 Strike, the prize pool is still calculated as if 100 players were competing.
Players are responsible for any income taxes. Winners receiving over $600 from District 82 in a calendar year will be required to fill out a W-9 and will receive a 1099-MISC. All payments are issued by check, not cash.
Tournament Directors decisions are final: Any disputes on finishing position and payouts must be brought to the attention of Erik Thoren immediately so errors can be corrected. You can not come back later on and say there was an error and expect a different payout.
Stern Pro Circuit Certified Main Event Prize Pool
$70 per player goes to the prize pool and is split between A, B, and C Divisions:
| Division | % of Pool | Payout Positions |
| A | 70% | 1st–16th |
| B | 20% | 1st–8th |
| C | 10% | 1st–8th |
A Division – 1st–16th
| Place | % of Division Pool |
| 1st | 30% |
| 2nd | 20% |
| 3rd | 10% |
| 4th | 8% |
| 5th–8th | 4% each |
| 9th–16th | 2% each |
Example for 100 players (Total Pool = $7,000):
A Division Pool = 70% of $7,000 = $4,900
- 1st $1,470
- 2nd $980
- 3rd $490
- 4th $392
- 5th–8th $196 each
- 9th–16th $98 each
B & C Divisions – 1st–8th
| Place | % of Division Pool |
| 1st | 35% |
| 2nd | 20% |
| 3rd | 15% |
| 4th | 10% |
| 5th–8th | 5% each |
Example for 100 players:
B Division Pool = 20% of $7,000 = $1,400
- 1st $490
- 2nd $280
- 3rd $210
- 4th $140
- 5th–8th $70 each
C Division Pool = 10% of $7,000 = $700
- 1st $245
- 2nd $140
- 3rd $105
- 4th $70
- 5th–8th $35 each
Certified Classics Tournament Prize Pool
$40 per player goes to the prize pool, distributed to 1st–16th:
| Place | % of Pool |
| 1st | 30% |
| 2nd | 20% |
| 3rd | 10% |
| 4th | 8% |
| 5th–8th | 4% each |
| 9th–16th | 2% each |
Example for 100 players ($4,000 Pool):
- 1st $1,200
- 2nd $800
- 3rd $400
- 4th $320
- 5th–8th $160 each
- 9th–16th $80 each
3 Strike & 8 Strike Knockouts
$10 per player goes to each prize pool, paid to 1st–8th:
| Place | % of Pool |
| 1st | 35% |
| 2nd | 20% |
| 3rd | 15% |
| 4th | 10% |
| 5th–8th | 5% each |
Example for 100 players ($1,000 Pool):
- 1st $350
- 2nd $200
- 3rd $150
- 4th $100
- 5th–8th $50 each
Tournament Formats
Event 1: Certified Classics Qualifying – 10 Rounds of 2 Classic Games Each Round
Thursday, August 13th, 2026
- 11:00 AM – Doors Open for Practice
- 12:00 PM – Tournament Starts
- 9:30 PM – Projected End Time
- The Group Match Play Qualifier will be played in groups of 4 (3 when necessary).
- Seeding: Random to start, then Tiered Swiss Style thereafter. If Tiered Swiss not available, standard Swiss will be used.
- Software: MatchPlay Software will most likely be used.
- Rounds: Each round consists of 2 games, played one at a time on the classic machines at District 82.
- Scoring: 7/5/3/1 per game. Automatic tiebreakers are turned on.
- Finals Qualifiers: After 10 rounds (20 games), the top 24 players advance.
- Special Tiebreakers:
- Positions 8th and 24th will not use automatic tiebreakers.
- Players tied for these positions play a 1 GAME tiebreaker to determine who advances.
- This single game also determines final placing for those finishing 25th or lower.
- Example: If 10 players are tied for 21st–30th, all play 1 game. Lowest tiebreaker score finishes 30th. If a tiebreaker determines 8th place, results cascade to 9th, 10th, etc.
Game List – Certified Classics Qualifying (as of Feb 2026)
- 1964 Palooka
- 1967 Melody
- 1974 Sky Kings
- 1976 Volley
- 1977 Stingray
- 1978 Lectronamo
- 1978 Mata Hari
- 1978 Memory Lane
- 1978 Stars
- 1978 Strikes & Spares (Bally)
- 1978 Wild Fyre
- 1978 Kiss (Bally)
- 1979 Dolly Parton
- 1979 Future Spa
- 1979 Harlem Globetrotters
- 1979 Hot Hand
- 1979 Magic
- 1979 Meteor
- 1979 Paragon
- 1979 Star Trek (Bally)
- 1979 Supersonic
- 1979 Trident
- 1980 Alien Poker
- 1980 Flight 2000
- 1980 Frontier
- 1980 Gorgar
- 1980 Mystic
- 1980 Seawitch
- 1980 Skateball
- 1980 Six Million Dollar Man
- 1980 Space Invaders
- 1980 Viking
- 1981 Barracora
- 1981 Flash Gordon
- 1981 Stern Freefall
- 1981 Jungle Lord
- 1981 Pharaoh
- 1982 Vector
- 1985 Comet
- Due to the number of players, multiple groups may use the same machine at different times. Wait for the previous group to finish before starting your game.
- If a game goes down and cannot be repaired quickly, a replacement machine will be provided.
- Game list will change slightly before the tournaments start in August. We are always changing out games.
- For a complete list of all machines at District 82: District 82 Game List
Event 2: 3 Strike Knockout
Friday, August 14th, 2026
- 8:00 AM – Doors Open for Practice and Check-in
- 9:00 AM – Tournament Starts
- Games Used: Uses most of the 100+ pinball machines inside District 82 (except games reserved for Main Finals in Rows 6/7/8 & AC2)
- Round Alternation: Odd rounds – LCD/DMD; Even rounds – Classics/EM
- Seeding: Random to start, then Swiss style; games drawn randomly
- Match Format:
- Groups of 4 (3 when necessary) play a single machine
- 2 players with lowest scores receive a strike (3rd/4th place)
- 3-player matches: lowest score gets a strike
- Once a player has 3 strikes, they are eliminated
- Tournament continues until one player remains
- Tiebreakers: Only used for trophies or prize money; IFPA points are reported as ties
- Awards: Top 4 trophies, Top 8 cash prizes
Event 1 Finals: Classics Certified Playoffs
Friday, August 14th, 2026
- 8:00 AM – Doors Open for Practice and Check-in
- 9:15 AM – Finals Start (for 9th–24th positions)
- Restrictions: No practice on Finals machines (Rows 6/7/8 & AC2) until finals are complete. Applies to all players.
- Format: Top 24 from Event 1 Qualifying. If someone does not show, next highest qualifier replaces them. Exception for top 8 players in qualifying. Their spot will not be given up if they do not show for finals. That players group will just play with 3 players and score the missing person with 0 points each game and that player would finish in 16th place.
- Rounds: 4 rounds of 3-game banks; top 8 qualifiers get 1st round bye.
- Seeding & Grouping:
- Round 1: (9,16,17,24), (10,15,18,23), (11,14,19,22), (12,13,20,21)
- Games played one at a time; high seed chooses bank/order for 1st game, subsequent games, order choice is reversed with worst finisher on previous game getting 1st choice of order.
- Bank Selection: Pre-written by Tournament Director; different each round.
- Games Used: Machines from rows 6/7/8 & AC2 will be used
- Scoring: 4/2/1/0 per game. Top 2 advance, bottom 2 eliminated.
- Tiebreakers: 1 game playoff for 2nd/3rd place if needed. Pre-selected alternative game or randomly chosen by TD. Higher original seed gets order choice.
- Concurrent Tournament: You can play in both the 3 strike knockout and finals at the same time. I will assume you do not want to play in both so if you do you need to tell Erik Thoren before the 3 strike knockout begins. Please pay attention to when it’s your turn and be courteous to the other players who would be waiting for you.
Quarterfinals
- Reseeded Groups (16 players):
- Group 1: 1, 8, 9, 16
- Group 2: 2, 7, 10, 15
- Group 3: 3, 6, 11, 14
- Group 4: 4, 5, 12, 13
- Eliminated Players: Ranked 9th–16th by points; ties not broken.
Semifinals
- Groups (8 players):
- Group 1: 1, 4, 5, 8
- Group 2: 2, 3, 6, 7
- Eliminated players ranked 5th–8th by points; ties not broken.
Finals
- Remaining 4 players, same group format.
- Ties: 1-game playoff, pre-selected on sheet or chosen by TD with higher seed getting order choice; final IFPA points 1st–4th reported with no ties.
- Awards: Top 4 trophies/plaques; Top 16 prize money.
Overall Standings
The overall finishing position of 1st-24th will be based on the finals.
The overall finishing position of 25th-150th will be based on qualifying.
Event 3: Stern Pro Circuit Certified Main Event Qualifying
Day 1 – Friday, August 14th, 2026
- 4:00 PM – Tournament Starts
- 11:30 PM – Estimated Round 5 End Time
- Machines: All 100+ pinball machines. Each bank = 1 Modern (1992+) + 1 Classic game.
- Format: Group Match Play
- Groups: 4 players (3 when necessary), random seeding, rotating order, Tiered Swiss (or Swiss).
- Scoring: 7/5/3/1 per game; automatic tiebreakers on.
- Points carry to Day 2.
Day 2 – Saturday, August 15th, 2026
- 8:00 AM – Doors Open for Practice
- 9:00 AM – Tournament Resumes (Round 6)
- Rounds 6–10: continue as above; points carried over.
- Division Assignments after 10 rounds:
- Top 24 → A Division Finals
- 25th–40th → B Division Finals
- 41st+ → C Division Finals
- Special Tiebreakers: 1 GAME tiebreakers for positions 8th, 24th, 40th to determine division placement, byes, and bank selections.
- IFPA: No rank restrictions; divisions based solely on qualifying results.
Event 4: 8 Fair Strikes Knockout
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
- 4:00 PM – Start Time
- 12:30 AM – Projected End Time
- Format: 8 Strike Fair Strikes, groups of 4 (3 when necessary).
- Games Used: Most of the 100+ machines will be used
- Round Alternation: Odd – LCD/DMD; Even – Classics/EM.
- Seeding: Random to start, then Swiss; games drawn randomly.
- Strikes:
- 4-player match: 1st = 0, 2nd/3rd = 1, 4th = 2
- 3-player match: 1st = 0, 2nd = 1, 3rd = 2
- 2-player match: 1st = 0, 2nd = 2
- Elimination: 8 strikes = out.
- Ties: 1-game playoff for positions 2nd–8th.
- Awards: Top 4 trophies, Top 8 cash prizes.
Special Note on Finishing Position when eliminated: If you are eliminated with 9 strikes and someone in the same round is eliminated with 8 strikes. The person with 8 strikes will finish at a higher position then the person with 9 strikes.
Event 3: Stern Pro Circuit Main Event Finals
Sunday, August 16th, 2026
- 8:00 AM – Doors Open for Practice
- 9:00 AM – C Division Start (Rows 1–4)
- 9:15 AM – A Division Start (Rows 5–8 & AC2)
- 9:30 AM – B Division Start (Rows 5–8 & AC2)
- 5:00 PM – Projected End Time
- Setup: District 82 split into halves: A/B share one half, C the other.
- No practice on Finals machines (Rows 5–8 & AC2) for anyone until finals are complete.
- Finals Timing: C Division runs by itself, A and B will run together for each round.
A Division (Top 24)
- 4 rounds of 3-game banks; top 8 qualifiers get 1st round bye.
- High seed chooses bank/order for 1st game; Subsequent games, order choice is reversed with worst finisher on previous game getting 1st choice of order.
- Bank Selection: Pre-written by Tournament Director; different each round.
- 4/2/1/0 scoring; top 2 advance, bottom 2 eliminated.
- Quarterfinals/Semifinals/Finals: Same format as Event 1 Finals except we use Modern and Classic Games in this event.
- Awards: Top 4 trophies/plaques, Top 16 cash prizes.
B Division (25th–40th)
- Format similar to A Division, except 3 rounds total (no byes).
- Awards: Top 4 trophies/plaques, Top 8 cash prizes.
C Division (41st+)
- Format: 10-strike progressive knockout, 1 game per round.
- Groups of 4 (3 when necessary), alternating Modern/Classic per round.
- Once eliminated, players may continue free play.
- Strikes: 0–3 per round; 10 strikes = out.
- Ties: 1 GAME playoff for 1st–8th; Tiebreak is only for prize money/trophy, TD selects classic or modern game, Will be reported as Tie to IFPA
- Awards: Top 4 trophies/plaques, Top 8 cash prizes.
Overall IFPA Position (Assuming 100 Players):
- A Division: 1st–24th
- B Division: 25th–40th
- C Division: 41st–150th
If you do not show up for Main Event Finals; The next next eligible person will be moved up to take your place and you will finish at the bottom of whichever division you qualified in.
Example: You qualified 28th. That put you in B Division. Everyone 29th-41st moved up one place. That means you will finish 41st in the overall standings.
Exception for top 8 in A division. They earned a first round bye. If one of them doesn’t show up for finals, their spot will not be given up to the next person. That group will play with 3 players with the player who didn’t show up earning 0 points for the round. They will finish in 16th place.
Refund Policy
- No transfer of registration allowed; must go through District 82.
- Refunds:
| Cancellation Date | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Before Sat, June 27, 2026 6PM | $300 |
| Sat, June 27 – Sat, July 11, 2026 6PM | $230 |
| Sat, July 11 – Sat, Aug 1, 2026 6PM | $150 |
| Sat, Aug 1 – Sat, Aug 8, 2026 6PM | $100 |
| Sat, Aug 8 – Wed, Aug 12, 2026 6PM | $50 |
| After Aug 12, 2026 | No Refund |
-
How to Cancel: Use the unregister link or email [email protected] with date/time stamped request. Refunds processed same way payment was made. This is not an automatic system. I have to manually do it. Give me a day to get it done.
If Event is Cancelled:
- Full refund issued to all registrants.
- Weather-related delays or cancellations based on Green Bay, WI weather.
- District 82 not responsible for lodging, airfare, or other costs.
Video Recording and Photography
-
Participation constitutes consent to video recording and photography for event documentation and promotion of future events.