Splatball

Great Proshop and field right in MINNEAPOLIS!

Couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend time with my friends. It was so much fun! Some of the girls in our group had never played before, but the guys there were really good about explaining how everything worked. Awesome experience for sure!

It was fun. It was my first paint ball experience. I liked it. Got some shots on my leg and back (Dammmm !!!) Will return again for more fun. And good Workout too on weekends.

Took my 13 year old son and his friend to have their first paint ball experience! They were excited and I think a little nervous about how much it might hurt. It was a super snowy afternoon on a Sunday. Saturdays and Sundays are for walk-​in play. Meaning, anyone can walk in and join the game. When we showed up it was just the two boys. I was hoping that more might show up and they did. Eventually, there were eight people playing. Before they took the field, they read the posted rules and got a nice run down on safety and expectations. Do NOT take your mask off when your in the arena! Guess who took his mask off. 13 year olds aren’t the best listeners. At least it was when the match was over and they were on their way out.
Our 13 year olds held their own against the adults. My son’s friend took a shot to the hand that left a welt. From what I gathered, getting hit from across the arena or even half way across wasn’t such a big deal. But getting hit at close quarters can leave a SUPER nasty welt!
The equipment seemed great. A helmet/​mask and gun are standard rental issue. Paintballs are $ 20 for 500 or $ 5 for 100. They said on average, 250 paint balls should last about an hour. But at the rate my son was shooting, he cut that time in half. We popped an extra $ 5 a piece for padded vests. The other people playing had full body jump suits to protect their clothes. If we go again, I’m going to try to find him some padded gloves. The neck is also another fairly exposed area.
The games were quick and fast paced and moderated by a referee. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. My heart rate increased just by watching! The pace and the anticipation of being tagged is pretty exciting — and again, I was just watching. It was nice that they let my wife and I come into the arena (wearing a mask) and watch from the safe side of the inside net that runs the circumference of the arena.
It would have been nice to have an opportunity to learn some strategies when it comes to the semi-​close quarters of the arena. Maybe it’s always like that on Sunday, but every match was just 1, 2, 3 go! One of the employees did explain to me that there ARE special matches/​games that they play, like a VIP game or a double elimination game. But none of those were offered up in the few hours we were there. Although I bet they would have accommodated if we asked.
They had a great retail area filled with different guns and equipment. My son was already scheming to save his money to buy a pump action type gun. Oy! There was also snacks and drinks available. Everyone was working up a sweat/​thirst.
A very positive experience. The boys had a great time! He already wants to come back next weekend.