VectorGamer Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 I know the first weekend of June is a way off but I've already secured a rental in Laconia, NH for this year's tournament. Edit: the tournament is the last weekend in May! Anyone here from AA plan on attending this year's event? For those not aware, Funspot is the largest arcade in the world and the time to be there is the first weekend of June for their annual tournament. I've played in the tournament twice before and it's a blast. At my first visit to Funspot in 2010, there were games I hadn't played in over 30 years (like Sea Wolf, Wheels and Death Race) and games I played for the very first time (like Mad Planets and Tunnel Hunt). More info: Funspot http://funspotnh.com/ ACAM http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/ If you plan on attending, post in this thread - will post tips from past experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennybingo Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 I know the first weekend of June is a way off but I've already secured a rental in Laconia, NH for this year's tournament. Anyone here from AA plan on attending this year's event? For those not aware, Funspot is the largest arcade in the world and the time to be there is the first weekend of June for their annual tournament. I've played in the tournament twice before and it's a blast. At my first visit to Funspot in 2010, there were games I hadn't played in over 30 years (like Sea Wolf, Wheels and Death Race) and games I played for the very first time (like Mad Planets and Tunnel Hunt). More info: Funspot http://funspotnh.com/ ACAM http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/ If you plan on attending, post in this thread - will post tips from past experience. How much does it cost you (average) to rent a room at that time of year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted January 27, 2014 Author Share Posted January 27, 2014 How much does it cost you (average) to rent a room at that time of year? You really just need to check around depending on what your needs are. I can't give you any exact costs, but the first time we went we stayed at a hotel. The second time we rented a house. We're renting a house this time around also because we're taking our two dogs with us. There are various options from hotels, motels, cottages and houses. You just need to do your homework and pick whatever fits your budget. I will say this: as I said we rented a house the last time we went up and it was in Weir's Beach. It was nice that it was within walking distance of the Weir's Beach amusements, the train, boat cruise and dining BUT there really is no night life. I forget what time exactly that everyone closed up shop but I do remember it being unusually early (9PM maybe?). We did have a small private beach that the kids enjoyed. If having access to the beach is a concern, you'll want to rent a place that is within walking distance. I'm not aware of any places besides Weir's Beach where you can park (and space is limited) and walk to the lake. I'm not saying there isn't any - just not aware. The first time we went we stayed at a hotel. It was pretty cool - had an indoor pool, weight room and was on the beach. Downside was there was a wedding there that weekend and a bunch of rowdy drunks kept it up in the early morning hours. Here's a motel that I wanted to stay at but never did - got good reviews: http://www.weirsbeach.com/halfmoon/motel/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I know the first weekend of June is a way off but I've already secured a rental in Laconia, NH for this year's tournament. Anyone here from AA plan on attending this year's event? For those not aware, Funspot is the largest arcade in the world and the time to be there is the first weekend of June for their annual tournament. I've played in the tournament twice before and it's a blast. At my first visit to Funspot in 2010, there were games I hadn't played in over 30 years (like Sea Wolf, Wheels and Death Race) and games I played for the very first time (like Mad Planets and Tunnel Hunt). More info: Funspot http://funspotnh.com/ ACAM http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/ If you plan on attending, post in this thread - will post tips from past experience. those links point to last years event ... I would suspect they will have the "16'th annual event for 2014" but the dates may be different .... just found this: http://www.aurcade.com/events/view.aspx?id=127 Event: 16th Annual Classics Championship Details Date(s): May 29-1, 2014 Location: Funspot - also includes ACAM Players: 0 Scores: 0 last year was my first tournament & I had a great time although I was there only the first & last day & didn't know what to expect at all I remember the entry fee was $60.00 US , the first one hundred applicants got the tee-shirt & they gave you 250 tokens ( a $50.00 value ) with some other kick-nacks so the entry fee pretty much balances what you'd spend on tokens I'm looking forward to attending again I hope above info will help others with their planning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 It's always been the first weekend in June. I emailed Gary Vincent to confirm that May 29 - June 1 is the date for this year's tourney. If so I'll need to make changes to my rental plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 It's always been the first weekend in June. I emailed Gary Vincent to confirm that May 29 - June 1 is the date for this year's tourney. If so I'll need to make changes to my rental plans. Thanks for verifying the even dates & stuff .... after I posted I noticed "June" wasn't mentioned At my first visit to Funspot in 2010, there were games I hadn't played in over 30 years (like Sea Wolf, Wheels and Death Race) and games I played for the very first time (like Mad Planets and Tunnel Hunt). More info: Funspot http://funspotnh.com/ ACAM http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/ If you plan on attending, post in this thread - will post tips from past experience. the 2'nd link will lead you to the list of games they have .... My first experience: .... I didn't know what to expect really , I thought it would be a real grudge-match as depicted in King of Kong movie. I first walked in , sunk a coin in one of the tournament machines BEFORE it started .... so Huge guy 'bout 6'6" with a deep & commanding voice to me it hadn't started yet & I needed to register. I was a bit intimidated as my skill level isn't really at any serious competitive level. I thought I'd just observe. the registration fee seemed reasonable as they pretty much give you your money back in tokens. it IS serious competition , some travel from across the globe to be there & World Records were set last year. it was an honor to be a part I left the competition with a sense of satisfaction that my own gaming improved & could improve even more I thought I could have logged a better score but my last game started to late ( it was a timed game "Night Driver" ) the competition ended before my game would have ended ( which didn't help with my concentration I'm looking for more pointers ... not so much , "how do I memorize all 255 lavels of game X" but how to keep a cool head & avoid carpel tunnel syndrome pushing buttons I only live about an hour & forty minutes From Fun Spot so I feel pretty lucky ... the last tournament was my 3'rd visit to the place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 I edited my original post to reflect that the tournament is the last weekend in May. I only live about an hour & forty minutes From Fun Spot so I feel pretty lucky ... the last tournament was my 3'rd visit to the place Wow you are lucky. People travel from all over the world to be at the tournament. The first tournament I was at was in 2010. I thought the game lineup was pretty good and included Defender, Star Castle and Sinistar. They also had Universal games for the manufacturer's challenge which I thought was really good. My second tournament was in 2012. I didn't think too highly of the game lineup for that tournament. The only games I really enjoyed were Space Encounters, Space Fury and Astro Blaster. I played all 15 games in the tournament (sometimes only playing a game one time and submitting a score) but spent most of my time elsewhere in the arcade mostly playing Star Castle and Gorf. There's another arcade somewhere in NH that has a lot of classics. I'll find out and post it here as I want to make a stop there this year. Also, I would like to go visit Portland while I'm up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 trying not to go off topic..... There's another arcade somewhere in NH that has a lot of classics. I'll find out and post it here as I want to make a stop there this year. Also, I would like to go visit Portland while I'm up there. Pelham NH. http://www.pinballwizardarcade.com/games/ she has some games not at Funspot .... notably 5 different "Street fighter" variations & a Fix-it Felix she made (on freeplay) some of her Pinball machines are Brand new & you need 4 tokens to play .... Groupon might be able to get half off on tokens http://www.groupon.com/deals/pinball-wizard-arcade?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_DT_SEA_GGL_TXT_TTT_SR_CBP_CH1_NBR_k*pinball%20wizard%20arcade_m*e_d*US-RTC-Boston_g*pinball-wizard-arcade_c*29768909896_ap*1t1 ... back on topic print some of these up too ... at times they award 50 tokens instead of the 25 with purchase of $20.00 http://funspotnh.com/coupon.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 trying not to go off topic..... Pelham NH. http://www.pinballwizardarcade.com/games/ she has some games not at Funspot .... notably 5 different "Street fighter" variations & a Fix-it Felix she made (on freeplay) Yes that's the place. And they have a Pac-Man Battle Royale which will be neat to play for the first time. Not off-topic because we want some tips for peeps to maximize their visit to the area. Here's some info for first time visitors: at Weir's Beach you can go on a train ride and a cruise of Lake Winnipesaukee. I've been on both and I would say if I had to choose between the two I would definitely opt for the cruise. The cruise is somewhere around 2 hours long and you can bring your own food and drink. Optionally, you can buy food and drink on the boat (they have a grill). Also, a good place for dining out is Christmas Island Steakhouse. Pricing is on par of what you'd pay at an Outback or Texas Roadhouse. http://www.christmasislandnh.com/ Portland, Maine is about 2 hours from Laconia. If anyone's been there that could provide some tips on places to see/things to do that would be swellegant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maibock Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I've been up to Funspot about 4 times, yet have never signed up for the tourney. Just playing the games and watching the competition is/was good enough. If you like classic arcade or just playing the games, this is a MUST visit. Fun to go during tournament time as the classic areas have a real buzz going - and speaking of which, there's a tavern in the building! Last year when I was up, we popped over to Pinball Wizard for the day. Just a great place for pinball - incredibly well kept machines.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassicGMR Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) This year's tournament falls on my timeshare week so I'll definitely be there. I have been going to Ashland, NH for 36 years now. Funspot is ALWAYS a stop I make every year. We make a day run of: - Hart's Turkey Farm - Funspot - Go-Karts - Weirs Beach - Kellerhaus - Funspot again for Bingo - Back to Ashland Edited January 30, 2014 by ClassicGMR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patbb Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 See you there Rob It will be my 5th time. My scores: http://www.aurcade.com/members/member.aspx?id=1197 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted January 31, 2014 Author Share Posted January 31, 2014 See you there, Pat! My scores: http://www.aurcade.com/members/member.aspx?id=568 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennybingo Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 I am working on the logistics now, but I am about 85% positive I will be heading up as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 I am working on the logistics now, but I am about 85% positive I will be heading up as well. Kewl - we should arrange an AA get together downstairs in the Funspot tavern! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACAM_Gary Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Hello Everyone, Thank you for your interest in the tournament. The easiest way to remember when it is each year is Memorial Day is on a Monday and the tournament is always the Thursday through Sunday right after Memorial Day. Thanks, Gary Vincent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt2d2 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 This is about 2hrs from my home. I always make at least one trip over there each year, so definitely a possibility. Don't really know anyone from AA yet being a new member but would love to hook up with fellow members if there are going to be some showing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mstulir Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Tournament press release can be found here: http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/tournament.htm Suggestions for lodging & food in the area can be found here: http://www.funspotnh.com/area-attractions.htm Mike Stulir Vice President, The American Classic Arcade Museum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 less than 4 weeks away ... My first time was spontaneous really & thought I'd just observe this year I plan to drop many more tokens ... again ,print the coupon from their site in the event you need to get more I'd like to meet some AA Members there as well ... just found this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atarilovesyou Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 How I wish I took the trek to Funspot back when I was on that side of the country!...friggin' legendary! Enjoy, anybody who gets to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennybingo Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 I am unfortunately going to miss it this year (again). Hopefully, I don't have scheduling conflicts with work next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 I am unfortunately going to miss it this year (again). Hopefully, I don't have scheduling conflicts with work next year. that stinks ... I'm sure my boss will try & pull some shenanigans last minute .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennybingo Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 that stinks ... I'm sure my boss will try & pull some shenanigans last minute .... I run my own division at work, so it is my customers who pull the shenanigans! (on the bright side, at least they pay me!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 less than a week away .... I'm curious how the game selection process happens each year & that kinda stuff it was said about 6 months go into preparation for the tournament each year did the cat assist this year as well with looms of cable ... pics would be awesome see ya' @ the event \o/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghsqb Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 I made the pilgrimage to FunSpot last year, about a 6 hour drive. I didn't go for the tournament, just for a summer vacation, and honestly I was a little disappointed with the number of machines on the floor but out of order. Having said that, I'm definitely going to go back, I really think having a place like Funspot is essential to maintaining gaming history. No question it's preferable to stay in Laconia, near Weirs, but if you don't mind a short drive to get to Funspot, there is a Holiday Inn Express in Tilton, NH which is very reasonably priced, and being a H.I.E you get free breakfast. I definitely agree Kellerhaus is a must visit, I'd also add the Castle in the Clouds and a trip down to Hampton Beach for a dip in the ocean and a few arcades along the boardwalk. I won't make the tournament this year but there's a good chance I'll be back there again later this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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