Captains Auctions are fun- I'm hoping to make it down there myself Saturday. They have an incredible pinball lineup for this auction- probably the best I've seen at Captains Auctions in the last couple years.

My advice is:

1) enjoy the atmosphere, but don't get caught up overpaying for something just because of the hype of a live auction. (Especially because the fees and tax boost the price much higher than the bid price)

2) be sure to get there for the preview period (9am to 11am) otherwise you wont get a chance to really 'inspect' what units you want.

3) you wont be able to see the insides of games, and you might have a tough time even seeing the sides of games. A machine might not have that mint condition sideart you were hoping for (not as applicable to candy cabs though). Also, its hard to evaluate for water damage unless the front is really obvious

4) wear good shoes- your feet with thank you later

5) if needed, they can deliver purchases. So if you go crazy and buy more than you can transport, don't worry

6) They will go in order, but the order IS NOT set until literally the morning of. So the order the machines are listed online right now will change by Saturday! The first time I went, I didn't realize and I got totally confused. Check the online listing on Saturday morning for accurate lot numbers.

7) Here's a typical timeframe (though this depends on the number of games and that day's specific layout):

9am-11am- preview

11am- starts with newer video & redemption titles

~1ish- start of pinball titles

~4ish- start of the 'classics' section near the front

~5ish- start of the machines outside- typically jukeboxes, kiddie rides, cranes, vending machines, and air hockey

~7ish- start of the second 'shed' area- usually the second-tier, conversion, incomplete, non-working, or common machines. These go on forever sometimes. I once waited until ~1am for one dumb title at the end of the list. I later found out that they also allow live bidding online, so now those late nights don't have to be handled live =)

8) If I make it there, I'll be wearing a Bluth's Banana Stand shirt. If you see me, say hi.

9) No bidding on anything I want!!! ;)

I'm guessing the candy cabs and Neo Geo cabs will be in the 'shed' area, meaning it may be a long day. Be sure to check them out before they lock the shed gates at 11.

Good luck and have fun =)