On the Brain - Building a Field

[SlartyBartFast]

So, I'm looking at various real estate listings and every time I come across empty industrial space I think:

"PERFECT for an indoor field!"

Hmm, 30,000 sq ft with lockers and showers.
http://www.firstcorp.ca/industrial/gti-ind.html

Who could beat 100,000 sq.ft?
http://www.firstcorp.ca/industrial/lajeunesse.html

Or a more modest location right on a main highway:
http://www.firstcorp.ca/longtin/2620trans.html

But, it really does make you see how difficult it is to run an indoor facility. The last one rents for 4.25 a sq ft with operating costs of 2.43 (which I'm assuming is heat etc per sq.ft., I'm also assuming those are yearly rental rates).

So, let's say 20,000 sq ft at roughly 6$/sq.ft and your looking at 120000/yr or 10000 per month. That's before you have any equipment of fields setup.

So, at 20$ field fees you have to have 500 players a month just to break even on the building.

Don't think I'll whine about field fees again.

[Conversekidz]

Thats why most indoors are not that big. Look at a 10,000- sized building.

[tony3]

Ya, me and my dad were talking about this. A new field opened up 10 minutes from my house, rent is extremely high. He is probably paying 20+ dollars for a square foot. Indoor field buisness=not something I'd want to be in.

[Magaman]

You also have to figure in Liability Insurance... Most field owners have to pay close to $7.00per head around here...

[WicKeD_WaYz]

in california indoor fields never last. I cant think of one off the top of my head thats been around a significant amount of time. if the rent is anything like the house prices i can see why now.

[PBX Ronin 23]

Operating an indoor field is deffinitely a difficult proposition. Finding one that makes financial sense, furnishing it and then the daily grind of running it. That's if you're lucky enough to find one that's approved as far as using it for paintball. If not, you're easily looking at $30K-70 just to get the variance application through......with no guarantees.

So the next time you go to an indoor field, don't quibble about the cost that you have to pay. Just be thankful that you have a place to play in at night and during fould weather.

[tony3]

One indoor field in chicago has been around for 10 years I believe. Now we got like 6 or so fields that have opened up in the past 1-2 years.

[abunkerer]

One indoor field in chicago has been around for 10 years I believe. Now we got like 6 or so fields that have opened up in the past 1-2 years.

yep, thet're springing up everywhere. I've played at the new one already "take aim pball" and it is pretty cool, it's an airball field with an astroturf floor. I bet for their location they pay a fortune in rent...that must explain the 90$ cases they sell..

[FallNAngel]

But, it really does make you see how difficult it is to run an indoor facility. The last one rents for 4.25 a sq ft with operating costs of 2.43 (which I'm assuming is heat etc per sq.ft., I'm also assuming those are yearly rental rates).

So, let's say 20,000 sq ft at roughly 6$/sq.ft and your looking at 120000/yr or 10000 per month. That's before you have any equipment of fields setup.

Yes, but I *think* that's also considering renting the building. I mean, I'm not sure if you're going to be using the office space as well too. I mean, wouldn't the cost come down with a small place as well?

So, at 20$ field fees you have to have 500 players a month just to break even on the building.

That's also not including anything else, such as paint sales or rental fees.

If 30 people came in, that's 30 * 20 = 600 If 10 of them bought a case at $50, that's another 500... so now you're at $1100. Yes, I know not the entire price of the paint is profit, but you see where I'm going.

[B.A.M.]

If you were going to own an indoor field id say you would have to buy the building instead of rent. In my town there used to be a huge ship yard with im talking huge warehouses. I so want the guy who owns them to turn one into a paintball field.

[Will Wood]

Yea, indoor feilds are tough. We had one up here and they closed because the cost was just too high.


The only place that can surive around here as a indoor place is someones private property, the indoor feild is in a old barn.

[kse]

theres an indoor place that just opened here in michigan grand rapids. been open foe 5 months now and paint is 50 a case 10 field fee,its close to 40,000 sq ft there rent is close to 20,000 a month and they don't sell any markers. how they can stay in business i have no idea. they also only have open play on wends and saturdays.

[evan123]

theres an indoor place that just opened here in michigan grand rapids. been open foe 5 months now and paint is 50 a case 10 field fee,its close to 40,000 sq ft there rent is close to 20,000 a month and they don't sell any markers. how they can stay in business i have no idea. they also only have open play on wends and saturdays.

drugs?

[Kallahan]

Mayhem

I think you are talking about mayham sports, their paint just went up ten bucks, and they are not doing well finacially I believe. Check out crossfire in Allendale (15-20 mins from downtown GR) small field, but 13 bucks for air and field, and paint is 55 a case. They also have a pro-shop run by TC paintball there.

[SlartyBartFast]

...that must explain the 90$ cases they sell..

Place closest to me (http://www.arnoldpaintball.com/) wants $210 a case.

Only reason I played there last time is there's a group that is allowed to bring their own paint and they sell it at $42 a case.

But, with $35 field fees regardless whether you have your own equipment or not, I'm not likely to pay $75 for 4 hours of paintball very often.