pictured are James Brooks, Chuck Sanderson, and John Barnerd
GODFREY, IL –The RiverBend Growth Association has made an adjustment in its awards program starting in 2026. Instead of recognizing a member small business each month, the RBGA is moving to an every-other-month cycle and recognizing member businesses throughout the Riverbend for “excellence.”
The first business recognized for a rather unique Small Business Excellence is Atomic Pinball Arcade in Wood River.
Launched in 2007 as CP Pinball, owner Charles “Chuck” Sanderson has grown the business into what Atomic Pinball Arcade is now, 18 years later. Located at 102 N. Whitelaw for the past two years, the business spent its first 16 years in nearby South Roxana.
Atomic Pinball Arcade began when Sanderson also owned and operated a large retail tool and equipment store in Wood River. He shared with RBGA member John Barnerd that he “spent quite a few nights” at local bowling alleys and bars playing pinball during that time. Sanderson came to notice that most games at public arcades were broken, or close to it, so he decided it was time to buy his own.
Sanderson attended his first super auction to buy one and continued to build his collection from there. He eventually built a game room in his home to house his expansive collection of pinballs, video games and coin-operated collectibles.
Then, sometime during 2005, Sanderson began buying, fixing and selling pinballs. That’s also when his collection’s quantity and quality really improved, he says. And, in June 2007, Sanderson says he was “fortunate enough” to find some commercial property for sale.
With a growing need for more room as his collection continued to grow, Sanderson decided to take the plunge and launch CP Pinball. CP Pinball’s building ended up housing over 80 pinballs, video games, and other rarities.
“Since arcades were scarce, and there’s rarely a good spot to play quality pins, I thought this was a great time to bring my collection, expertise and love for the silver ball to a new level,” says Sanderson of his enterprise’s beginnings. CP Pinball was a success, hosting quarterly tournaments, open play nights, and other unique events.
The public’s love for pinball had notably rebounded and, because of this renaissance, there became an obvious need for a larger facility to share Sanderson’s passion with a greater audience.
This also seemed like the right time to rebrand operations under a new moniker: Atomic Pinball Arcade.
Atomic Pinball Arcade has since evolved into one of the premier pinball arcades in the country. It serves as host to a national pro tournament, several monthly local and regional tournaments, as well as weekly league play.
In August 2023, the facility made the move from South Roxana to a larger venue at 102 N. Whitelaw Avenue in Wood River. Its home, formerly the Knights of Columbus Hall, now boasts over 125 pinball machines, offering even more ways to “bump the ball.”
Atomic Pinball’s mission is “to bring the best possible pinball and arcade experience to all ages at an affordable price, while giving back to the community,” Sanderson says. And, as a part of that mission, Atomic Pinball Arcade continues to provide support to Riverbend Family Ministries, Refuge, and the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, along with a host of other organizations and the local school districts. It has also hosted fundraisers for groups such as Hope Animal Rescue and Partners for Pets.
“What sets Atomic Pinball Arcade apart from its competition is that we have one of the largest collections of the highest quality pinball machines available for public play in the entire country,” Sanderson notes.
“The greatest opportunity is to provide a place where people of all ages can have fun at an affordable price,” he adds. “There’s nothing better than when a family – parents, grandparents, children – can all enjoy their time together in a clean and safe family-friendly environment. Our biggest challenge has been letting people know we are here, open, and close to them.”
To learn more about Atomic Pinball Arcade and all it has to offer, visit online at https://atomicpinballarcade.com/ or call (618) 255-9007.
The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280. To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and its bi-monthly Small Business Excellence recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.