I have been involved with several renovation projects that made basements just like yours into great spaces.
I would definitely install track lights running in-between the floor joists. The joists will block the glare and they won't take up any head room. The lights can be placed to take advantage of how you would want to arrange your gametables.
Next, I would recommend painting the exposed "ceiling" white. Hire a painting crew to spray it out (shouldn't cost very much at all). After the ceiling has been done, the entire room will be brighter and it will appear taller.
The astroturf on the floor sounds like a fun idea. However, I might recommend placing it under the table areas as mats/area rugs rather than doing the whole room. Basements are notorious for water and for being really dusty/dirty over time. The astroturf can get really dusty/dirty quickly and would be more difficult to clean in place as opposed to a removable area rug.
If you're planning to screen off the mechanical equipment, just make sure to follow the applicable building codes. You really don't want to introduce a fire risk. My friend here at work is an expert architect in dealing with building code issues if you need some advice.
I can't wait to see it in person. I'm jealous!!!!
