The place to bring your date.
Date night! That was my reason for going to Archers Arena for the very first time because why not? i’m a big nerd myself and never tried combat archery so lets see how my date deals with that, plus, who wouldn’t like shooting your date with arrows?
We went in on a Friday and couldn’t believe how busy it was. The lobby was filled with chatter, laughter and people gazing at the game modes decorated over the walls. After my date nervously signed her waiver (fearful the arrows hurt which surprisingly didn’t at all) and coach Moe introduced himself to the 15+ wannabe battle archers in the lobby who he had their attention firmly grasped. I was impressed to say the least. Calm and personable, Moe was a natural leader who led us into the next room which was the practice range. Bows neatly lay on the racks with buckets of arrows close by had this date night getting very cool, very fast.
After a more in depth introduction, Moe gave us our safety equipment and had us pledge (literally) that we would not “dry fire” his bows which stirred up some laughter in the crowd. We were taught the anatomy of the bow and arrow as well in the compressed, crash course archery lesson which helped a lot seeing as how my date had never done archery before. After basic archery tag technique, Moe started teaches us the real meat & potatoes of combat archery which included the “quick draw”, holding multiple arrows and power-shots. I’m pretty sure it was at this time that Moe had more attention than my date. I was hooked!
It was time. Moe started fitting everyone with their helmets to enter the arena. My date was nervous about getting shot but she was approached by a coach and was gently reminded that kids of all ages play this and that she would be fine with their 22lb bows. We entered the Arena having a bunch of pictures taken to commemorate the occasion and told they are completely free of charge which was amazing. We were then divided into two teams and taught the court rules quick with integrated jokes that always had some of the group laughing after which, we were asked to go to the back walls to start the game. The coach counted us down and BOOM! The game started!
After a hail of arrows were launched, we were quick to learn that archery tag didn’t hurt at all! With my new found archery skills taught by Moe and these fluffy Q-tiped arrows, I stormed to the front lines to give the opposing team a piece of my mind. After an hours worth of non-stop games, Moe let us know about “community night” that happens every Tuesday and Friday and invited us to come by to experience a more competitive type of play.
What an amazing amazing time! I went back for community night, again and again.
- Mr. Aimazing (Kyle)