The Lucky Flipper Pinball Bar to Open in December
A new arcade venue is slated to arrive at 915 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you prefer paying a flat rate for unlimited arcade play over paying per individual game?
The Lucky Flipper is scheduled to open in December 2026, bringing a new gaming destination to the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The venue will occupy a 1,600-square-foot storefront formerly home to the Machine Shop Barber Company.
Why it matters
The opening adds a dedicated entertainment space to the local business corridor in The Edge District. It repurposes an existing commercial site to offer residents and visitors a collection of classic gaming equipment.
The venue will feature 16 to 18 vintage pinball machines alongside classic arcade games. Guests can access the entire collection for a flat rate of $14.
The players
The Lucky Flipper
This new entertainment venue specializes in providing access to vintage pinball and classic arcade cabinets.
Machine Shop Barber Company
This former business previously occupied the 915 Central Ave. storefront before the arrival of the new gaming venue.
The details
Located at 915 Central Ave., the venue aims to provide unlimited play for a single price point. The build-out transforms the former barber shop location into a specialized gaming environment.
Timeline
The Lucky Flipper is scheduled to open in December 2026.
Market Landscape
This opening follows the broader trend of converting underutilized urban retail spaces into experiential entertainment hubs. It positions the venue to capitalize on the increasing consumer demand for social gaming experiences within walkable districts.
Visitors can expect a predictable cost of entry with the $14 flat rate for unlimited access to the machine collection. The bar provides a new social option for residents of The Edge District looking for classic arcade entertainment.
The takeaway
Gaming enthusiasts and local residents can plan for a standardized pricing model that encourages long play sessions. The new venue fills a commercial vacancy to add a specific entertainment niche to the downtown area.
Further reading
Explore more local business news in our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Creative Loafing: Tampa Bay.
Live Poll
Do you prefer paying a flat rate for unlimited arcade play over paying per individual game?
