WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Pinball wizards, start saving up those quarters.
The neighborhood is about to host the inaugural Washington Heights Pinball Open on Dec. 3 and 4.
The tournament will gather top players who sure play a mean pinball from across North America on Saturday and Sunday at new restaurant and art space Le Chéile.
First-time players and amateurs are invited to join in the action and try to qualify for the tournament as well. If a participant's score ranks among the top four by the end of the day on Saturday, they will automatically qualify for an elimination tournament Sunday to determine the champion.
"This is chance to make Washington Heights a permanent and featured stop on the national pinball circuit," said tournament co-director and former Brooklyn Champion Francesco LaRocca, in a statement about the event.
"[Le Chéile is] smart, diverse, culturally with-it; it's the perfect place for a pinball junkie and believe me, we will go just about anywhere for a good tournament."
The tournament, which was endorsed by the International Pinball Flipper Association, will distribute at least 25 World Pinball Player Ranking points to qualifying players.
All entry fees will be paid out as cash prizes to the top eight finishers.
In addition to naming the reigning champion of pinball, the event will also serve as a fundraiser for Washington Heights' only toddler playground, Dolphin Park, located at West 180th Street and Cabrini Boulevard.
Pinball enthusiasts can challenge a local "King of the Hill" pinball champion on a designated pinball machine for $5 a pop, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward the park, which is administrated by the nonprofit West 181st Street Beautification Project.
Anyone who defeats a "King of the Hill" champ will win dinner for two at Le Chéile.
"We are just so delighted that they want to help us," said board member Jeanlee Poggi. "Why not pinball?"
The Pinball Open is Le Chéile’s first formal event held in its new art space, which is attached to the two-story restaurant at 839 W. 181st St. and recently opened.
The 2011 Washington Heights Pinball Open will be held at Le Chéile, 839 W. 181st St., on Saturday, Dec. 3, noon to midnight, and Sunday, Dec. 4, noon to 5 p.m. $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries. 646-232-1055.
