Nerf warfare
<p>Jeremy Clark, co-owner of Dalton Garden’s new Strike Zone Arena, a new business offering Nerf play zone, dodge ball court, arcades, party facilities and more, demonstrates one type of the Nerf guns available for use.</p>
<p>The main floor of Strike Zone Arena’s Nerf play zone is about 3,600-square-feet and equipped with various types of inflatable bunkers for added strategy.</p>
DALTON GARDENS - Zombies. Nerf gun shoot-outs. Warfare for all. The StrikeZone Arena is now open.
The new business, located at 7419 N. Government Way, has a colorful 3,600-square-foot main floor for Nerf gun battles, and adult dodgeball and pickleball games. Paintball bunkers provide cover for combatants.
The facility also can host arena flag football for kids.
"Basically, you just come in, you pay hourly, drop your kids off and let them go shoot the snot out of each other," said Jeremy Clark, one of the owners of the new business. "Kid or adult. Trust me, adults have just as much fun out here."
The main floor can hold 40 to 50 combatants at once, and the facility has more than 100 guns for customers to use.
"This floor is huge," Clark said. "You're tired after about five minutes of playing."
Clark describes Nerf gun battles as a cross between laser tag and paintball gun fights.
There is a special 9-11 p.m. period for those 16 years old and older. That's when the zombies are turned loose, the lights are dimmed, strobe lights start pulsing, and the fog machines start blowing. The DJ's music changes after 9 p.m., too.
"Either the pre-party or the people who don't want to go out to the bar, they're going to come here and get some energy out," Clark said.
StrikeZone Arena has a separate 2,100-square-foot area for any group events, dodgeball, pickleball or Nerf warfare. It's up to those who want to use the space.
Customers can bring their own guns, but StrikeZone will provide one to those who have paid for floor time. They also provide protective eyewear and a blue or red vest to designate teams.
The Nerf ammunition, whether disc or dart, is scattered about the floor and is for anyone to use. There is no need for customers to bring ammo.
Customers will be able to bring their own food. There are also video games and a pool table.
The hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during spring break and summer. During normal school weeks it's 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The cost is $10 per hour for the first hour, and $8 per hour after that.
More information: www.strikezonearena.com.