GNY EP.184 | feat. Ryan Zlomek from Skill Shot Arcade
In this episode of Good News York, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Ryan Zlomek, co-owner of Skillshot Arcade — a one-of-a-kind pinball arcade and event space located right here in Syracuse, NY. Ryan takes us deep into the world of pinball: its surprisingly rich history as a French invention that became a proudly American-made pastime, the engineering marvels hiding beneath every playfield, and how Skillshot has become so much more than just a place to play games.
Ryan walks us through his journey from running Syracuse Pinheads in a local mall to partnering with John and Alyssa of United Vending Service to open Skillshot in 2021 — right in the middle of a pandemic. We explore their curated collection of 25+ pinball machines spanning machines from 1978 all the way to 2026, the underground community of repair people it takes to keep them running, and why pinball has a special ability to rewire your brain and pull you into a flow state unlike anything on a screen.
We also talk about what makes Skillshot a true third space for Syracuse — a welcoming, inclusive spot where furries, AA groups, dental offices, charity volunteers, and everyone in between have found their community. Plus, we discuss the upcoming "Balls of Steel" comedy show featuring Syracuse Improv, In Bad Taste, and the Sean Seals Musical Experiment happening Saturday, June 6th at 7 PM, and a packed summer events calendar including Pride Night, Flippin’ for a Cause with the CNY SPCA, Kids Play Free days, food truck nights, and themed pinball evenings.
This one’s got heart, history, and a whole lot of flippers. Don’t miss it.
Chapters:
0:00 – Intro: Pinball’s French origins & Made in America legacy
0:37 – Welcome to Good News York / Introducing Ryan & Skillshot
1:22 – What is Skillshot? Hours, pricing & event rentals
2:38 – Balls of Steel: Syracuse Improv show, June 6th at 7 PM
4:07 – Touring the collection: favorite machines across the eras
7:56 – Ryan’s pinball backstory: Syracuse Pinheads & the IFPA
11:43 – Partnering with John & Alyssa to open Skillshot in 2021
13:52 – The Skillshot location: East Molloy’s "hidden gem"
16:02 – The jukebox, the vibe & the tactile magic of pinball
18:56 – Maintaining the machines: it takes a village
23:37 – Pinball as a flow state: physical vs. digital gaming
26:22 – Deep dive: pinball design, geometry & engineering tricks
36:05 – Skillshot as a community & third space
40:33 – Planning the comedy show & what makes Syracuse special
53:44 – Upcoming events: Pride Night, SPCA fundraiser, Kids Play Free & more
57:26 – How to connect with Skillshot & closing thoughts
🎯 LINKS & INFO
🌐 Good News York: www.goodnewsyork.com
🎮 Skillshot Arcade: skillshotarcade.com | @skillshotarcade on Instagram
📍 Located on East Molloy Road, Syracuse NY
📧 info@skillshotarcade.com
🎟️ Balls of Steel — Comedy Night at Skillshot
Saturday, June 6th | 7 PM | Tickets $20
Buy tickets: syracuseimprov.com/balls
💼 This episode is brought to you by Ads on the Go — helping businesses grow with smart, effective advertising solutions. Check them out at www.getadsonthego.com. Big thanks to Zach and the whole Ads on the Go team for their support!
🎬 Good News York is a production of ClickStream Studios
📍 689 North Clinton Street, Syracuse NY (formerly the Spaghetti Warehouse!)
Free marketing plans for CNY business owners: call.clickstreamstudios.com
Learn more: www.ClickStreamStudios.com
