Possibly a new field

[icebullet]

Have you guys thought about adding a small Pro-Shop into the mix?

It'd be great to have a few parts on hand if you happened to break a gear at the start of the day, and don't want to give up the time to play.

Also, this sounds excellent. I like it.

[Junto]

Adding a "small shop" to anything is a several-thousand dollar investment. One step at a time, buckwheat.

[Chad]

Icebullet/Junto:

True, a pro-shop is something that will add a decent(or significant in some cases) amount to a start-up. That being said, to remain competitive and affordable our admission has to be reasonably priced. Since it is an indoor field, it would be outrageous to require field BBs only. So any 'major' remaining revenue sources become any goods sold from the pro-shop and/or hours charged for gun repair.

It would be a great advantage to be able to charge $45 to play all day; but that would be rape, and rape is bad.

Thank you for the input guys.

[Farmer]

Indoor arena's will deffinly give you he chance to add the "fire support". Catwalk between the play field and the arena floor can be utilized by both marshalls and the gun support.

The one thing I have seen for many indoor arenas that is a major factor leading to the label "lazer tag" granted this is mostly from indoor paintball experience, is over crowding of bunkers, cover, obsticals. Too many and ou have "lazer tag" too few and you have shoot out at the ok corral.

[Chad]

Farmer:

I totally agree with the fire-support and catwalk aspect, although being indoors we will need enough clearance for the catwalk. We realize we will only have one arena and it'll be indoors; so the cleverness and quality involved in setting up the arena will be crucial. We're developing the bunkers and buildings to act like "puzzle pieces" so the arena can be completely overhauled monthly.

Players and the community will be an integral part in the arena. The players know what they want, we're going to take there wants and make it a reality(within means of course).

Thanks again,
Chad

[Farmer]

When I was in high school our drama department had a modualr set design system. Every piece was mounted on some sort of wheel system, not all of them were the same but all were mobile, to some extent. Pins were drilled through the set piece into the floor in 2 or 3 corners. When it was time to move the set around for scenes or the next show, the pins were removed, the set was changed, pins replaced. The pins were fairly thick, 3/4" in diameter i wanna say by 9 or 10 inches long. It allowed for fairly constant changing with little help fo a slow change or with more help, you could rearrange the entire stage ( a 20 or 30 square foot area) in minutes.

I know drilling concrete would be a pain, but how about using pins in the side of pre-fab structures to add or remove a wheel set-up of some sort so a fast re-arrange could be done? It would make the changing of the arena on a monthly basis less of a "chore" and therefore a more realistic goal. Face it, if moving the arena around on a monthly basis became to difficult, it would slide, all good intentions aside. It might be pushed back to 5 weeks, then 6 for a good reason mind you, but once it was pushed back, it would become easier to justify doing so again.

[Lukens]

Thank you for the feedback. Was quick to jump at asking about prices at the wrong time.

Quick question if you gentlemen don't mind; if you're on a team, do you wear team designed patches?

Besides the few teams on the ACA and couple misc google pictures; do you are the "majority" wear patches?

Chad

The group I play with, and am forming a sizable team with, all wear a unit patch.

[Chad]

Farmer:

It does need to be easy to move. The nights we change the arena will be over 24 working hours for us, so the ease to change it is important. We will develop multiple plans to cater to what the building owner allows us to do to the building. Your stage idea is outstanding. thanks.

Lukens:

Thank you for the information.


Another question:

The BBs allowed are to be .20 and .25. The FPS limit 350-400(projected, we will have set limits that flex with certain days)

The question is, with the weighted BBs described above and at the FPS above, what are your experiences with it piercing/shooting through drywall or sheetrock?

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

Chad

[Gator]

If i wanted indoor play, i could just play at OAA, but you sound like your making an effort to change how indoor games are played. I like it.

As to your question, ive never seen(or felt) bbs go through any cover ive been behind. I think you should be okay.

[Junto]

I've seen AP boycott indoor playfields with an FPS limit higher than 330 with a .2 gram BB. Just a heads up.

Also, restricting the weight of the BB's a person can play with is all but meaningless. Always chrono players with a .2 BB. After that, if they put a heavier BB in, it's still going the same joules (energy) as the lighter projectile. All weight will do at that point is make the BB slower in flight. Impact will be identical.

[Nodachi]

I would second the notion that 350-400 would be too high for indoor play. It would most certainly dictate the requirement of store rented masks, at the very least. Also, blood tends to make insurance companies nervous.

[Chad]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the input on weight, FPS and bunker question. We are not aiming to have anyone boycott the arena and rest assurred safety is a top priority. We are also not aiming to drive anyone out of business or steal business. We believe it is essential to have as much airsoft market around to increase the popularity of the sport. Teamwork is key.

Thanks again,
Chad

[Icepick]

If i wanted indoor play, i could just play at OAA.

NEVER AGAIN. NEVER FORGET.

I'm kind of happy to hear that this is going to be an indoor field though, Chad. In terms of revenue and cash flow, you are going to be much better off with an indoor field as opposed to an outdoor field. A place to look at to get ideas for an indoor field are Milsimjunkie1's videos on youtube which showcase a field called CQB City in SoCal. If you could incorporate things like the bus, old cars, tight rooms to clear, kickable doors, and the "personnel transport" go-kart, you could still create a field that is equally as cool as your vision of an outdoor field. Another really cool thing would be to incorporate a "zombie night" where all of the lights are turned off and you have to rely on your flashlight and wits to stay in the game, MSJ has a video with the same idea on his channel somewhere!

(Here's a link to a Milsimjunkie1 video!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCWdLYgdC3w

[Chad]

Icepick:

I have been watching indoor airsoft videos non-stop. Main reviews we have been examining are evike, team rainbow, milsimjunkies,and casual airsoft youtubers. I really enjoy the look of interactivesportsarena.com and CQB City; with that being said I have not yet been either. These things are just what we see on paper and in videos. We will make trips to oregon to check out local arenas and also The Airsoft Center(TacTac).

To open an indoor field using unpainted plywood and objects we found at a yardsale would be easy, but It is just not attractive or quality. Also, for training it isn't a realistic or viable option. Some indoor fields are set up like you would see in a refugee camp and/or market places(in our opinion). Can't kick in a door at a refugee camp; you kind of just tear down the tarp and kick over the cardboard.

I personally kicking in doors is a rush. To stack up, kick it in, then enter and clear the room is outstanding. We very much want to incorporate that, and we know MilSim enjoy the training.

Misc bunkers are easy, the arena theme and how the buildings will be built and moved is what we are currently designing, and has proven more difficult. Has to be original and qualitative. Oh yes, and zombie night is a mos def.

Thanks,
Chad

[Android]

IIRC DJ mentioned mentioned using velcro to hold doors closed so that you have to "kick/breech" them. Naturally, you'd want solid-core doors to do this on, which will increase construction costs.

Hm... Now I'm thinking of how to make a Nerf battering ram.