The battle scene is littered with the splatters from two warring teams — the paintball battle scene, that is. Two teams trying to capture each other’s flag amid the rat-a-tat-tat of firing and dodging the supple, marble-size balls that splatter you with paint and eliminate you from the game is the draw at Portage, Ohio’s Bull Creek Paintball. The short drive (it’s about 30 minutes from Toledo) to the highly-ranked paintball spot is an easy way to ramp up your typical autumn excursion.
Paintball is a strategic and invigorating game of tag. Unlike the usual arena style paintball, this is the only regional course in a natural setting and it garners “a roller coaster like rush” according to player Caleb Zaho. Forts, towers, bridges, and bunkers are tucked into thirty acres of a natural wooded area, providing unique challenges. In addition, the mature trees and uneven terrain create pockets of shadow and light for camouflage and vantage points.
Of the seven courses and games, to which players have all day access to, the Grinder is one of the most popular and also a favorite of manager/referee Doug Dukett. “It is our fastest-paced game — in two minutes you really must push yourself to take chances, get across the field, survive and find the flag to win. It is in every way absolutely exhilarating.”
Bull Creek Paintball is open Wednesday through Saturday by appointment and Sunday 11am-5pm. $35.00 admission (mention this article and Dukett says he’ll give you $5 off) includes gun, face mask, paintballs, and training/instruction for newbies. Minimum age to participate is 10 years old, and players under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a picnic or purchase from the concession stand. Schedule a party or team-building workshop. For the traditional paintball courses/games check out their sister site War Zone Paintball at 5340 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, 419-517-1750. Bull Creek Paintball, 9703 Greensburg Pike, Portage, Ohio. 419-517-1750. bullcreekpaintball.org
