Vault 66 Pinball Opens in Downtown Springfield

The new arcade at 409 E. Adams St. features 16 machines and a reciprocal play partnership with Dumb Records.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a classic pinball cabinet, rendered with thick outlines and a vibrant, warm color palette. — Vault 66 Pinball opened in downtown Springfield this week, offering 16 classic machines and reciprocal arcade play in the 400 block. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you visit a local arcade to play physical pinball machines instead of playing digital games?

Vault 66 Pinball is now operating in downtown Springfield, occupying the former site of Café Moxo. The arcade features 16 machines and offers all-day unlimited play for a flat $10 fee.

Why it matters

The opening marks a redevelopment of the 400 block, which saw businesses close following a June 19, 2024 fire. The owners aim to capitalize on a growing public interest in classic pinball gaming.

Vault 66 Pinball operates 16 machines, with tournament nights drawing roughly 30 competitors. Visitors can access unlimited gameplay at both Vault 66 and the nearby Dumb Records for a single $10 fee.

The players

Chris Nickell

He is a property owner in Springfield who currently holds 11 properties in the city.

Dumb Records

Located at 418 E. Monroe St., this business partners with the arcade to offer cross-venue gaming.

Stern Pinball

Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, this company is the primary manufacturer of new pinball machines.

The details

Owners Chris Nickell, Jeff Black, and Brian Galecki transformed the vacant storefront into an arcade, offering wristbands that provide reciprocal access to games at Dumb Records. The facility currently utilizes Stern Pinball machines and hosts weekly tournaments every Wednesday.

June 19, 2024: A fire forced the closure of businesses on the 400 block.
October 2026: Vault 66 Pinball is open for business in downtown Springfield.

Market Landscape

The opening represents a strategic effort to revitalize downtown commercial space following the disruption caused by the June 19, 2024 fire. By partnering with established local shops like Dumb Records, the operators are creating an entertainment hub to drive foot traffic.

Customers can access unlimited pinball games at both the new arcade and the partner store for a $10 fee. Potential future expansions include the addition of a bar and lounge area once the owners secure a liquor license.

The takeaway

The arcade serves as a new community hub for hobbyists, hosting weekly competitive events every Wednesday. Visitors benefit from a shared pass model that increases the variety of available games between the two downtown locations.