Anyone who has started a business knows that it is important to think outside the box from time to time.  The way to “get ahead” of the game is to be aware of what your target market needs, and what they may want.  Well, I have to say that Thunder Valley Paintball has definitely gone above and beyond in both of these categories.

According to an article I found, the owners of Thunder Valley ordered a paintball dome from China.  It is 150 feet long, 50 feet wide and 30 feet tall.  It weighs in at 7,100 pounds, and provides 2000 square feet of astro turf area to have a blast.  Although it doesn’t seem likely, the dome is portable, allowing the paintball game to come to the customer.  They rent it out to churches or colleges, anyone who has a special event and would like to have the unit on site.

It isn’t exactly a “paintball” game though.  They provide a “reeball”, which looks like and has the same dimensions as a regular paintball, without the mess.  Could you imagine what the “dome” would look like after a few games with regular paintballs? Anyway, this reeball can be used in any regular paintball gun, although Thunder Valley will provide all equipment for the game if requested.

I also visited Thunder Valley’s website.  It looks like a great facility, located in Perry, Georgia.  There several types of fields, and it looks like they have some competitive series, one that starts in the Spring, and one that starts in the Fall.  The Spring session starts next week.  Here are a few photos I found on the site that should give a an idea of what to expect once you get there.

According to the article, last year the facility hosted teams from Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, University of Southern Mississippi and Florida State University.  They also host the Carolina Field Owners Association.  It seems their grounds will accommodate as many as 500  players. Here is a pretty cool video of some teams having a good day!!

It is always good to find a great place to play paintball sports.  I must say – our hats are off to Thunder Valley for taking it a step further and providing a portable sports arena.  I would like to see that for myself!!

As promised, we have found another location to enjoy your paintball sports.  It is TAG Paintball, in Hollister, CA.  It is located in northern California and it appears to have some pretty good deals and pretty cool fields.

The rates are reasonable and the equipment offered for rental is top notch.  You are required to buy all your paintballs on location.  It is posted that the youngest age allowed is 12, but a mature 10 year old might be able to play too.  And get this, parents get in on the fun for free – they just need to buy their paintballs.  They even offer a money back guarantee that you are going to have a great time.  What a deal!!

The way we heard about this location was through hearing the news about a huge scenario paintball game coming up in October.  It is called Operation End War 2010, and is sponsored by Real Action Paintball.  It will be held at TAG Paintball on October 2-3.  Campers are welcome.

They have created a scenario where this will be the war to end all wars.  There has been a nuclear exchange, the Middle East and all their oil is gone and Russia now has a commodity everyone wants, Siberian oil, and it is running low.  So the Marines must, as always, save the day.  Sounds like great fun, so get your gear together, hone your battle tactics and get ready for war.

To register, contact Roland at TAG Paintball, 800 TAG 5150.  Registration deadline is September 1.

This game will allow magazine fed paintball guns only. (43 cal or 68 cal) These are some examples:

While looking through some industry news, I came across an article related to an eye injury caused by being shot by a paintball gun.    This particular injury was not acquired during a paintball game or training.  Rather it was inflicted during what may be a miscommunication.  The victim was walking through a park and came across an unattended paintball gun, so he picked it up.  Allegedly, a few minutes later the owner of the gun insisted the gun be returned, and when it didn’t happen fast enough he started shooting.

Now, the owner gave a different story to the police, stating that the victim, (and others who were with him), actually charged him and he fired in self defense.  I guess the courts will need to sort that out, but the victim was taken to the emergency room with a “significant” eye injury.  The alleged perp was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and a weapons offense.  A pair of Hawkeye or V-Force Goggles would have prevented the eye injury, but given the circumstances no thought was given to safety at the time.

Paintballs can hurt when they hit.  Along with eye protection, there is a great case for adding a tactical helmet as well.  Watch this video to see how this young man reacted to getting shot in the head.

And I bet this one wishes he was wearing some body armor or at least a vest. That’s going to leave a bruise!

Speaking of bruises, look at what these dummies are doing!

I know that paintball sports are a lot fun, but it can be a bit dangerous as well.  Please – anyone who picks up a paintball gun with the intent to use it against an opponent – use a minimum of eye protection.  There are many products out there that will help minimize the damage done to your body after a day of fun on the paintball range, (or in the field, or in the woods, or wherever you happen to play).  Please play smart, play safe and have fun!!