Axe Throwing In Texas

Posted: February 20, 2020

Axe Throwing In Texas

BATL (Squibbler)

They say everything is bigger in Texas. 

BATL opened its doors in Houston, Texas this past spring – setting the stage for axe throwing to take over. The Houston metro area has long been known as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as a thriving hub for arts, culture, and dining.  Naturally, all of those factors make BATL a perfect fit – and we’re excited to make Houston the home of our first BATL venue in the Lone Star State, serving the entire area of Greater Houston including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Baytown, and Conroe.

The Houston Chronicle recently had a feature on BATL Houston, and they summed it up nicely:

“There are few activities that double as lightly competitive neighborhood get-together and skill-building set for the zombie apocalypse, but backyard axe throwing is one. The Heights chapter of the Backyard Axe Throwing League is hard at work bringing the growing sport to Houston…Think of axe throwing as cornhole or darts, but more so. Competitors stand away from a target and hurl axes towards it for points. The axes used are camping hatchets, not full-sized ones or that battleaxe you picked up from the Renaissance Festival.”
This is just the beginning, as BATL gears up to open new locations in Texas this year in Austin and San Antonio (just to name a few).  Wondering what it is that makes BATL the premier urban axe throwing destination in North America?   Look no further.

Who We Are

It’s been almost 13 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together. Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport.

Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport.  Before long, we had to move our operations indoors – which led to opening 10 locations across Canada between 2015-2018.  That was just the beginning.

Expansion Into The US

In 2017, BATL stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, now BATL Nashville, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth. Shortly after, we teamed forces with Thunderbolt Axe Throwing to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to the Chicago Masses.  It instantly caught on in the windy city, and BATL Chicago has been a driving force in the community or Irving Park ever since.  In 2018, we opened the doors to BATL Novi, bringing axe throwing to metro Detroit.  Finally, in December of 2018, BATL Scottsdale opened to the public, bringing axe throwing to the Valley of the Sun.  The Phoenix greater area now as the ability to experience the unique thrill provided by axe throwing, and we’re excited to begin to grow the sport.  Recently, BATL Houston and BATL Orlando opened in 2019.

AXE THROWING
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What To Expect At BATL Houston

League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. BATL Houston will be no exception.  Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) umbrella, the world’s foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the IATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing.

BATL Casual: If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend during set times. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL Houston has you covered.

BATL Premium:  BATL Houston offers private event bookings lasting 1.5 hours for groups of 6 and up. You’ll get the full experience that BATL has become world-famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round-robin style tournament, single-elimination playoff, and big axe practice – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, or even just a night out with friends) and BATL Houston offers complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you.

Stop by BATL Houston and experience first hand the unique thrill of axe throwing, and stay tuned for more news on BATL’s expansion in Texas this coming year!

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Axe Throwing 101: A History

Axes and the History of the Axe Axes have been especially prevalent these days, with the emergence of the sport of axe throwing across the world – but it’s a well-known fact that axes have been used for thousands of years for much more than throwing.  It’s one of the oldest tools used by mankind, after all.  Before the modern axe, the stone-age hand axe was used without a handle – only later to be fastened to a wooden handle. The earliest examples of handled axes have heads of stone with some form of wooden handle attached in a method to suit the available materials and use. Axes made of copper, bronze, iron and steel appeared as these technologies developed. Axes these days are composed of a head and a handle. In folklore, stone axes were sometimes believed to be thunderbolts and were used to guard buildings against lightning, as it was believed (mythically) that lightning never strikes the same place twice. This has caused some skewing of axe distributions. Steel axes were important in superstition as well. It was rumoured that a thrown axe could keep off a hailstorm.  Sometimes an axe was placed in the crops with the cutting edge to the skies to protect the harvest against bad weather. An upright axe buried under the sill of a house would keep off witches, while an axe under the bed would “assure male offspring.” Axe Throwing in Entertainment Axes are also predominant in Viking culture, as evidenced when Alex Høgh Andersen, better known as Ivar the Boneless from History TV’s hit show Vikings, visited our BATL Toronto location to film a segment in anticipation of the upcoming new season.  It’s no surprise that he was a natural. Most modern axes have steel heads and wooden handles, typically hickory in the US and ash in Europe and Asia, although plastic or fibreglass handles are also common. Modern axes are sorted by use, size and form. Hafted axes with short handles designed for use with one hand are often called hand axes, scout axes, or hatchets – but the term hand axe refers to axes without handles as well. Hatchets tend to be small hafted axes often with a hammer on the backside (the poll). As easy-to-make weapons, axes have frequently been used in combat. Modern Day Axe Throwing It’s been 14 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together.  Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. It didn’t take long before the Backyard Axe Throwing League had outgrown its very own backyard. As you can imagine, putting that many people in a small outdoor space together got very loud very fast, and noise complaints were coming to a frequent issue. Not to mention, word had spread throughout the city so fast that the waitlist to join a league was becoming never-ending. In 2011, BATL moved its operations indoors and secured an industrial space in the west end of Toronto. We instantly had leagues running four nights a week, and soon after opened up to private group bookings (perfectly suited for bachelor and bachelorette parties, adult birthdays, corporate team building, or a night out with friends).  With 19 locations across North America (including Toronto, Vaughan, Pickering, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Calgary in Canada; in addition to Novi, Nashville, Scottsdale, Houston, Orlando, Charlotte, and Chicago in the United States – with more on the way!). Since BATL began its expansion, you can find axe-throwing venues popping up all over the world – but only BATL can lay claim to inventing the sport of urban axe throwing. Looking to join in on the fun and experience the thrill of axe throwing for yourself?  BATL offers private event bookings (BATL Premium) for groups of 2 and up. You can expect the very thing that BATL has become world-famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. Your safety is our main concern, so you can rest assured that you’ll always feel comfortable throwing axes with our coaches on hand.  Many BATL locations also offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. Planning an outdoor event and want to include axe throwing in the festivities? BATL can also come to you! The Backyard Axe Throwing League offers mobile axe throwing targets in the vicinity of all of our existing venues. Our outdoor axe throwing packages are fully insured, equipped and available for both full and half-day bookings. Our team of expert coaches can provide a customized axe throwing experience based on your specific group needs to make your next event one of the most incredible memories of the year for everyone who participates. BATL’s mobile targets have graced outdoor weddings, music festivals, charity BBQ’s, and much more. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, BATL offers public walk-in sessions (BATL Casual) every weekend – no advance booking required. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill we’ve got you covered. If you think axes are just for chopping wood, you’ve got it all wrong!  Head to your nearest BATL venue and see for yourself what else you can do with an axe.
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Premium Events At BATL

At a time when most of us are stuck indoors practising social distancing, there is nothing wrong with getting excited about getting back to life as we knew it. And if you’re thinking about the best way to gather your co-workers, friends, or family in the future, BATL Premium private event bookings will be sure to tick off all of your boxes. If you’re not one of the thousands of people across the world that have experienced first hand what The Backyard Axe Throwing League is all about, let us break it down for you. We Are BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League From our humble beginnings in 2006 the Backyard Axe Throwing League has steadily grown the sport that we created in our own backyard across not just North America, but across the world. We’ve hosted thousands of new axe throwers across our 13 venues, using our advanced axe statistic software to track totals of millions of axe throws. Even though we’ve brought our sport to the mainstream, there are still many who have yet to experience firsthand the unique thrill of throwing an axe. So, what exactly is BATL, and what do we do? How It All Started The sport of urban axe throwing that has taken the world by storm started just as you might think it would: at a cottage with friends. In 2006, founder and CEO Matt Wilson to a cabin in Southern Ontario with his closest pals and after hours of rain, they had to find a way to keep busy. The group began throwing hatches at a tree, and instantly felt the cathartic release of sinking an axe into softwood. Little did they know this was the start of something huge. Upon returning home to Toronto Matt decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how enjoyable throwing an axe could be. They didn’t need much convincing. Before long a point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. 213 Sterling Road It didn’t take long for the crowds of people that had heard of our weekly axe meetings in a downtown Toronto backyard to make us realize that we had outgrown our small space. In 2011, BATL made its first move indoors into a nondescript warehouse in the west end of the city. With Matt still working his job as a bartender 3 days a week, our new location could only host leagues 4 nights a week – and believe it or not, that wasn’t nearly enough. The waitlist continued to grow, and we quickly realized that we had to make this experience available to not just our league members but also the more casual would-be axe thrower. BATL instantly started offering private tournaments, and that’s when axe throwing began to take off. 2013: The Expansion Our only location was fully booked three months in advance year-round, making it obvious to us that the demand for axe throwing wasn’t going anywhere. In December of 2013, BATL opened its second location in a huge space in the east end of Toronto (nearly 5 times the size of our Sterling Road location), and the rest is history. Since then, BATL has ballooned to have 19 locations (including Toronto, Vaughan Pickering, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Calgary in Canada; in addition to Novi, Nashville, Scottsdale, Houston, Orlando, Charlotte and Chicago in the United States – with more on the way!). BATL now employs over 500 expertly trained axe gurus that teach over 300,000 people a year how to have an amazing time while throwing an axe. Countless celebrities have since graced us with their presence at locations everywhere, and we’ve been featured on TSN, CBC and The History Channel, MTV, Vice, and more – in addition to The Atlantic, the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post in print. BATL Premium Events | Axe Throwing It’s no secret that our axe throwing leagues are what paved the way for our business – we do call ourselves The Backyard Axe Throwing League, after all. But our private events are our real bread and butter, and much more accessible for someone who is just looking to get a taste of what axe throwing is all about. Perfectly suited for any type of gathering, BATL Premium private events are the perfect way to get acquainted with the sport of axe throwing. BATL Premium private events run for 1.5 hours completely under the guidance of our expertly trained coaching staff, who just so happen to be some of the best axe throwers in the world. BATL Premium private events also give you your own private space, meaning you can keep the intimate vibe for you and your guests. Most BATL locations offer full bar service and food menus, meaning all you and your guests have to do is show up and leave the rest to us. BATL also offers both personal and corporate team trophies at each venue. Made from a small woodshop in Toronto, you can send the winner home with some hardware that they’ll be sure to want to show off. Get Together Ideas For BATL Premium Events Are you looking for ideas when planning a bachelor/bachelorette party everyone will enjoy? If bowling, paintball, or escape rooms have already been done, or if you’re looking for an exciting activity for the entire group – no matter what their age, skill or fitness level, then think about axe throwing. Constantly ranking at the top of “Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Destination” lists on web blogs and magazines, a trip to BATL will ensure a day to remember for the bride or groom to be. Looking for a new idea to celebrate a birthday that everyone will enjoy? If you’re looking for a fun activity for an entire group no matter what their age, skill or fitness level, then consider axe throwing. Catering to adults since 2006, a trip to BATL is the perfect place for you and your friends to ring in another trip around the sun. BATL is also the perfect venue to host your next staff outing. A little friendly competition is a key to a team-building outing so if you’re looking for the perfect event for your next corporate party, look no further than BATL. No matter what you’re celebrating, or even if you just want a reason to get together with friends/family after these trying times, a BATL Premium private event booking is the perfect opportunity to reconnect while experiencing first hand the unique thrill of urban axe throwing.
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Austin Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Ideas

Everything’s bigger in Texas – bachelor and bachelorette parties included. Austin has long been a destination for those in search of something different. This is no surprise, as it is known across the world for its arts scene, dining (both fine dining and casual), and great weather all year long. If you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette party in Austin this summer, the choices in this day and age are limitless. With new event destinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests popping up all the time, deciding what is right for your bachelor/bachelorette party can be difficult. We’ve put together a list of our top-rated destinations to ensure that your party will be the talk of the town. Go Axe Throwing At BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s well known that the days of traditional bachelor/bachelorette parties are over, and people are looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate with their friends. The Backyard Axe Throwing League offers the perfect opportunity to host a bachelor/bachelorette party that your guests won’t soon forget. The competitive aspect of axe throwing is also a great way to kick off any bachelor or bachelorette party. It gets everybody engaged, gets the friendly one-upping going, and gets the adrenaline pumping. There’s a reason why competitive activities are so often used in bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, and stag and does: because it gets everyone involved, no matter what the age or skill. Our private group tournaments are suited for groups of 2 or more (most BATL venues can facilitate 80+ people), and last 1.5 hours. Each axe throwing event begins with training from our skilled and dedicated axe coaches, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – in order to crown a champion for the day. Our coaches are world-renowned for providing the best axe throwing experience possible while providing the utmost in safety and hospitality – and a few laughs along the way. Our coaches are even famous for sabering bottles of champagne with an axe, a sure bet to provide excellent photo documentation of your time with us. If you’re not going to be in or around the Austin area this summer – no problem! The Backyard Axe Throwing League has 19 locations across North America: Toronto (Toronto West, Toronto East, and Vaughan), Pickering, Ottawa, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Kitchener, Calgary, and London in Canada; and Novi, Chicago, Houston, Scottsdale, Orlando, Nashville, and North Carolina in the United States – with more locations on the way in 2020. Each BATL venue is a unique space, and most are fully licensed with a selection of beer, wine, coolers, and snacks. Not into the idea of spending a day in one of our facilities? Lucky for you, BATL also brings the party on the road. A BATL offsite booking is a perfect way to transform your outdoor gathering into edgy space with adrenaline-filled friendly competition from the comfort of your own setting. Our off-site packages are fully insured, equipped and available for full and half-day bookings – perfectly suited to corporate gatherings, weddings, festivals, private parties and so much more. Our team of expert coaches can provide a personalized event with up to 8 targets based on your specific group size and needs, and the unique experience is sure to leave an impression on your guests. BATL offers offsite bookings within the surroundings of each of our 19 venues. Sample From Austin’s World Famous BBQ Scene We all know it – Austin is famous for great barbeque. It’s home to some of the best pitmasters in the country, and with good reason. The most well-known is Franklin Barbecue and its notoriously lengthy line (people have been known to arrive as early as 6 AM) but if waiting isn’t your style, there are spots with equally good offerings. La Barbecue’s brisket and beef ribs and LeRoy & Lewis’ pork belly and mac & cheese-stuffed quail have made waves of hype in the Austin BBQ community, but you really can’t go wrong no matter where you go. With BBQ offerings on practically every corner, sampling some grub as part of your bachelor or bachelorette party will be the easiest part of your planning. Embark On A Brewery Tour Austin has seen a rapid expansion of breweries, from talented homebrewers taking a leap of faith to seasoned pros trying their hand at the taps, and things don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. It is without a doubt the craft beer hub of Texas with brewers creating unique beers for the masses and as a result, taprooms plenty. With over 50 breweries in Austin and central Texas, there’s a lot to love about when it comes to craft beer options. If you’re on the Eastside, hit up Blue Owl Brewing for sour beers, Hops & Grain for crisp IPAs and warm weather lagers, Zilker Brewing Co. for a wide-range of accessible brews, and Lazarus Brewing for an eclectic selection of house beers.   Try Your Luck At The Escape Game  The Escape Game is extremely addictive, and has a super simple premise: you have 60 minutes to escape a series of rooms using logic, problem-solving, communication skills and a few much-needed hints. Challenges rank in difficulty from easy to near impossible, which means you can tailor the vibe of your outing depending on the mood of your group. They offer themes like finding gold, prison break, and recovering pieces of stolen art. Take In Live Music Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital” – which means there are a lot of live music venues. Don’t know where to start? You really can’t go wrong no matter where you end up, but for a taste of classic tunes that range from rockabilly to soul, make a trip to South Congress’ The Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. Hotel Vegas is where the cool kids go to see the garage, psych, and punk bands. Cheer Up Charlies is a queer-but-friendly-to-all club with two stages and an eclectic blend of genres from electronic to hip-hop to dance parties like the ‘90s and ‘00s Girl Group Night.  If you’re looking for something a little more classic, head to the honkytonk-focused Broken Spoke – known as the best place in Austin to get your two-step on.
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COVID-19 Response

BATL Venues Are Temporarily Closed Due To The Coronavirus  Due to the COVID19 virus, all of our venues are temporarily closed until further notice. We believe this is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities. Events, walk-in hours and League are suspended. We will re-evaluate things when more information becomes available. Scheduled Events All scheduled events will be cancelled up to May 31st. All guests who have booked events with us can reschedule the event to a later date or cancel with a full refund.  You can reschedule or cancel by emailing us at book@batlgrounds.com. We are still taking reservations for events for May 31st and after, either online or through Customer Service. League The current league season has been postponed until further notice, at which time we will re-evaluate the situation and get back to you on the best course of action for the season. If you have any additional questions or concerns surrounding the BATL League, please contact info@batlgrounds.com.  Keeping Safe from COVID-19 Outside of BATL The best way to stop the spread of the Coronavirus is to stay at home. Additionally, keeping yourself educated on proper prevention, the COVID-19 virus itself, and developments on the situation in the news, will all help keep you informed and safe. You can get all the information you need from the CDC if you’re in the US or the Public Health Agency of Canada for Canadians. They also offer great information on: Concerns for older adults and people with previous medical conditions. Getting your home ready in the wake of the virus. Travel Information. Testing for COVID-19. Preparing for Coronavirus. How to properly wash your hands. Everyone’s health is our top priority. We encourage the BATL family to practice these precautions. We look forward to re-opening and seeing you all again as soon as possible. 
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Austin, Texas

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Get Ready For BATL Austin

Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, Austin is the capital of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State. The city dates back to the 1830s, when the first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the area, then in what was part of Mexico. Austin has both scenic, natural views and the hustle and bustle of big city life. There are a few things everyone knows about Austin: Austin keeps things weird and it is considered the Live Music Capital of the World, it’s known worldwide for its unique food scene, and it’s home to one of the largest bat populations in the world. All that was missing? BATL. We’re thrilled to announce that our 20th North American venue will be opening soon in Austin, bringing axe throwing to the masses. We’ll be opening in major shopping hub The Linc, and joining BATL Houston to become our 2nd location in the lone star state. So why should you get excited for our arrival? Our unique style of urban axe throwing has been covered widely by national media, and soon residents of Austin and the surrounding area of Round Rock, Lost Creek, Bluff Springs, Wells Branch, Daffan, Pilot Knob, and George Town will be able to enjoy the same experience that we’ve become renowned for across North America. Still, want to know more? We’ve got you covered. About BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s been almost 13 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together. Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Before long, we had to move our operations indoors – which led to opening 10 locations across Canada between 2015-2018. That was just the beginning. Our Expansion Into The US In 2017, BATL stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth. Shortly after, we teamed forces with Thunderbolt Axe Throwing to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to the Chicago Masses. It instantly caught on in the windy city, and BATL Chicago has been a driving force in the community or Irving Park ever since. In 2018, we opened the doors to BATL Novi, bringing axe throwing to metro Detroit. Finally, in December of 2018, BATL Scottsdale opened to the public, bringing axe throwing to the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix greater area now as the ability to experience the unique thrill provided by axe throwing, and we’re excited to begin to grow the sport. Next up…BATL Austin – one of the many venues in America that BATL will be opening in 2020! What We Offer At BATL Austin BATL Premium: BATL Austin will offer private event bookings lasting 1.5 hours for groups of 6 and up. You’ll get the full experience that BATL has become world famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round robin style tournament, single elimination playoff, and big axe practice – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, or even just a night out with friends) and BATL Austin will offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. BATL Casual: If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend during set times. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL Austin will have you covered. Weekly League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. BATL Austin will be no exception. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) umbrella, the world’s foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the IATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing. Stay tuned for grand opening announcements for BATL Austin, complete with FREE open house axe throwing, as usual, and get ready to experience first hand the unique thrill of axe throwing!
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BATL Ranked As Top Unusual Activity In Nashville

Web bloggers Wanderlust Girls recently visited the TV Show Today In Nashville to list their favourite “unusual activities” in the city, and as usual, a trip to The Backyard Axe Throwing League was one of the first things they mentioned.  You can watch the segment here. BATL Nashville is in the process of moving into a new larger venue in the Gallatin area, providing Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, and the surrounding area with the safe and comfortable indoor axe throwing experience that The Backyard Axe Throwing League is world famous for.  Since beginning in 2006, we’ve been known as the best axe throwing venue in the world. Each of our 13 BATL locations across North America offers multiple ways to get involved with our sport that is now sweeping the world: from weekly leagues and public walk-in sessions, to private group events for parties of 6 and up – perfectly suited for adult birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and much more!  Visit our new location in Nashville today and join the BATL!
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BATL Staff Sunday With Blake

Meet Blake, a coach from BATL Chicago.  Blake is originally from Rhode Island but moved to Chicago in 2009 – and when he heard that we were opening a new venue in the Windy City, he knew it’s something he had to be a part of.  Outside of work he’s a nerd of all trades and puts his pop culture, TV, and movie expertise to good use writing for a few nerdy websites. When he’s not axe throwing or writing, Blake spends his time as any Chicagoan would by enjoying bars, restaurants, and – much to the chagrin of many – making any visitors to Chicago try the one and only Chicago drink; Jeppson’s Malort.  Glad to have you on the team,  Blake  #batlstaffsunday
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Austin Texas

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BATL In Austin, Texas

Austin is hardly a city that needs any introduction. Ranked as the top city to live in America for the past 3 years in a row, it’s no longer a secret. The capital of Texas, Austin has long been known as a hotbed of arts and culture. More recently the food scene has been making Austin world known, and it’s also become a major hub for technology, startups and innovation (dubbed “Silicon Hills”). All it was missing was BATL, who was recently mentioned in The New York Times. We’re thrilled to have a location in Austin, bringing axe throwing to the masses. We opened in major shopping hub The Linc, and austin.eater.com recently featured us on their blog: “BATL will serve alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, coolers, and cider. It will also offer a menu of food options from a local restaurant, which hasn’t been named yet but will include items like pizza and burgers. BATL will have coaches on-site to walk guests through the axe-throwing process, and per a representative, bar staff will monitor consumption to ensure a safe and fun environment.” Wondering what we’re all about? Look no further. BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s been 14 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together. Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Before long, we had to move our operations indoors – which led to opening 10 locations across Canada between 2015-2018. That was just the beginning. Axe Throwing Expansion Into The US In 2017, BATL stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth. Shortly after, we teamed forces with Thunderbolt Axe Throwing to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to the Chicago Masses. It instantly caught on in the windy city, and BATL Chicago has been a driving force in the community or Irving Park ever since. In 2018, we opened the doors to BATL Novi, bringing axe throwing to metro Detroit. BATL Scottsdale is open to the public, bringing axe throwing to the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix greater area now has the ability to experience the unique thrill provided by axe throwing, and we’re excited to begin to grow the sport. After that, we opened up shop in the Lone Star state, making Houston Heights our first BATL location in Texas. At the start of 2020, BATL joined forces with Axe Club of America, opening up 3 new venues in North Carolina – bringing our total to 10 venues across North America! Now, we’re ready to bring the fun to Austin – and we’re just getting started, with more US locations planned in the next year. What To Expect At BATL Austin Free Axe Throwing: Just like every other BATL location, BATL Austin will be giving the area a taste of axe throwing leading up to our opening. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement for our open house, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn how to throw an axe with friends & family for free! League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. BATL Austin will be no exception. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) umbrella, the world’s foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the NATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing. Walk-In Axe Throwing Sessions (BATL Casual): If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League Austin has you covered. Private Axe Throwing Event Booking (BATL Premium): BATL Austin will offer premium private axe throwing bookings for groups of 5 and up lasting for 1.5 hours. You can be sure that you’ll get the experience that BATL has become famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, etc) and many BATL locations offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. Stay tuned for our open house and grand opening announcements, and get ready to experience BATL Austin!
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BATL Kitchener Axe Throwing

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Top Things To Do In Kitchener Ontario

Kitchener-Waterloo is more than just the home to Canada’s largest Oktoberfest. With a population of over 240,000, Kitchener offers big-city excitement without losing its small-town charm. Located in the heart of Southwest Ontario, Waterloo Region provides the perfect balance between rural and urban, nature and technology, classical and contemporary, tranquillity and adventure. Also known as Silicon Valley North. It’s quite the title to live up to, but the growing branch of tech companies from Kitchener-Waterloo to Toronto are making it a reality. With offices for Google, Communitech, OpenText, Shopify, and more, Kitchener-Waterloo has become one of Canada’s technology hot spots, and boasts some of the highest success rates in the country for the tech companies that are based here. More than that, Kitchener is set amongst some of the most scenic locations in Ontario – which makes it a great hub for both outdoor and indoor activities. Looking for the best ways to spend your time in the Tri-City area? Look no further than a trip to BATL Kitchener. Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo (and also serving Cambridge, Guelph, Ayr, Elmira, Paris, and more) the Backyard Axe Throwing League has delivered axe throwing to the Tri-Cities since 2015. Only 2 blocks from King and Victoria Streets, BATL Kitchener can host parties from 2 – 90 people, and is easily accessible from Cambridge, Elora, Fergus, Princeton, Paris, and the entire Golden Horseshoe. While you’re axe throwing, BATL Kitchener offers a fully licensed bar and kitchen serving a selection of local beers, wine and coolers as well as a delicious shareable food menu in partnership with Pepi’s Pizza and Southern Ontario Smoked BBQ. Wondering how it all started? Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Over the past 5 years, BATL Kitchener has hosted people from all over South Western Ontario and taught them the ways of our sport, and it’s been a complete success. On top of that, BATL Kitchener is constantly engaging with our community, partnering up with local charities, local sports teams, and more. BATL offers multiple ways to get involved with the sport of urban axe throwing that we pioneered back in 2006. BATL Casual: Feel like throwing some axes all of a sudden? We love that. Walk-in times are available during specific scheduled hours at all BATL venues every week. The basic details: No minimum group size. One hour axe throwing session, using shared lanes with other guests. No booking required. Our friendly coaches are available for tips and tricks, but throwing areas are only guaranteed for pre-booked events. BATL Premium: At BATL, we keep things pretty light and fun for everyone. First, our coaches will show you how all the basics. You’ll throw around a bit and get the hang of it. Then, the tournament – and trash talk – start. If you chose BATL Premium, you get 1.5 hours, a dedicated coach, and even more, chances to throw than if you chose BATL Casual. League Play: If you’ve enjoyed throwing an axe at BATL at any point, you need to join a league. They’re the perfect excuse to get together with friends, make some new ones, and trash talk each other. No matter your experience level, you’ll compete individually and receive tips from our coaches. Joining an axe-throwing league is a great excuse to get out of the house and engage in some weekly friendly competition. But more than that, it’s a chance to meet new friends and be part of an extremely tight-knit community. If you have yet to experience the unique thrill of our sport, what are you waiting for? BATL Kitchener offers many ways to get involved with our unique brand of urban axe throwing. Outside of the Tri-City area? Not to worry, BATL boasts 16 venues across North America, including Toronto, Vaughn, Kitchener, Pickering, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Calgary in Canada and Novi, Chicago, Nashville, Scottsdale, Houston, and Orlando in the United States – with more locations on the way this year! The Kitchener-Waterloo area has tons to offer to visitors and residents alike. Here are some of our other top activities in the Kitchener area:   Spend A Day Sampling Local Craft Brews Nothing quite says summer like a frosty beer on a sunny patio. If you’re in the Kitchener/Waterloo region, there are no shortage of options to do just that – most of which offer food, just in case you need a little something to pad your stomach in the process. While there are brew giants like Sleeman and Waterloo Brewery in the area, why not try the little guys? With breweries like Barncat Artisan Ales, Innocente, Grand River Brewing, Block 3, and Descendants you can easily make an entire day of it. Just remember to drink responsibly, and bring along a designated driver if you’re planning on making it a day-long event! Catch A Hockey Game Canada and hockey go together like cookies and milk. So what better way to spend a day in Kitchener than taking in a hockey game? The Kitchener Rangers call The Kitchener Memorial Auditorial Complex – simply known around town as The Aud – home. It offers a chance to take in some of the brightest stars of the Ontario Hockey League before they make their way to the NHL, and also makes for a cheap outing! Spend A Saturday Morning At The Market One of the main hotspots in the KW area is the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Located north of Waterloo’s campus, the market is a place for people to shop for organic and local groceries and products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, quality meats and cheeses, locally produced maple syrup, honey, preserves, baking, crafts, housewares, wearables, and more. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and spend time with your family or friends.
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