Paintball Parks

Commercial playing areas specifically designed for paintball

A lot of people play at commercial paintball parks either because of choice or necessity. People choose to play at a well-organized field because they can usually rent or buy everything they need there, and they know the field has been designed specifically for paintball. Those who play at paintball parks out of necessity, do so because they live in large cities or urban areas where there aren’t any suitable private fields or woods to play in. Some people also prefer to play at a commercial field because of safety and insurance reasons.

Most commercial sites are outdoor areas, but there are quite a few quality indoor parks around the continent now as well. The first outdoor commercial field opened in 1982, and the first indoor park in 1984. The business owners had to find a way to keep players entertained and coming back - that’s why a lot of new scenarios and variations of paintball came about.

The biggest change of play that commercial fields brought about was the bunker-style game, as most fields feature attached or movable inflatable bunkers. Most commercial parks offer a smaller space; compared to what you would get playing in the woods, this allows for quicker action. You don’t have to creep through the woods for 20 minutes before seeing anyone at most parks. This is because your opponents are a lot closer to you. This means there were a lot of constant firefights, and you have to buy more paintballs - which of course leads to more money for the field owners.

You’re going to find that commercial fields will come in all shapes and sizes, and that some will be a lot better than others. Some will be better suited for concept or scenario games; while others will be ideal for speedball. If you’re new to an area or can’t find a suitable field to play on, you should check out the Internet. There are dozens of websites that list and review commercial paintball parks and fields throughout the world.

When trying to pick a good park to paintball in, there are a few things you should look for:

Extra Amenities - A good commercial field should have a pro-shop on site or near by, and if they have a repair shop it’s a real bonus. You should also check out the state of their rental markers, because if the guns are in bad shape, it’s usually a sign the field may not be well maintained. A good outdoor park should hose and rake the dirt on a regular basis. A good indoor park should clean the carpet regularly.

Enforced Safety -You also need to know the field is safe so make sure it has a chronograph to ensure you’re not getting shot at over with pellets over 300 feet per second. The field should also enforce all the rules, have a designated safe area, and have competent and experienced staff and referees.

Cost & Reservations - The cost of playing at a commercial park will vary quite a bit, and so will the equipment rental prices. The age limit may also vary depending on the field. If you’re under 18 you may need your parent’s/guardian’s permission to play. Most age restrictions are determined by the park’s insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to make a reservation at a paintball park, so the owners can be prepared and have everything you need in stock.