BATL Axe Throwing's 15th venue is open, and it’s calling Houston, Texas it’s home. 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 Axe Throwing a perfect fit – and we’re excited to bring our unique sport of urban axe throwing (pioneered by us back in 2006) to the Lone Star State.
BATL Axe Throwing is excited to be part of the Houston community, opening our 15th of 18 locations that will serve the entire area of Greater Houston including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Baytown, and Conroe.
THE HISTORY OF AXE THROWING
The sport of axe throwing was established in 2006 in the Toronto backyard of Matt Wilson. What started as a personal passion sparked by a camping trip with friends soon spread through word-of-mouth in Toronto. Matt Wilson spent his career learning the ropes of the hospitality business in Toronto, which enabled the creation of the first-ever urban axe throwing venue in Toronto, BATL Axe Throwing. Urban axe throwing is comprised of ‘arenas,’ which are similar to a cross between a batting cage and bowling alley, with private space for groups of any size.
BATL AXE THROWING
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 Axe Throwing 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 BATL Axe Throwing 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). Fast forward to 2018, the BATL Axe Throwing now has 18 locations across North America, all of which offer up the urban axe throwing experience that we pioneered over 12 years ago.
A VISIT TO BATL HOUSTON
At BATL Houston, we stand by the belief that throwing an epic party should be fun and simple. Private event packagesinclude 1- 2.5 hours of throwing depending on your group size, flexible food options and private space to fit your party’s needs. Trophies and streetwear are available as add-ons for an even more personal touch. Things begin with practice and instruction (no experience necessary!) from BATL’s expert coaches before starting a round robin and group playoff tournament. Private events cost $35.99 – $42.99 + tax per person and are perfectly suited to adult birthday parties, corporate team building events, and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
BATL Axe Throwing offers axe throwing on a walk-in basis at designated times each week. Our coaches will be on hand to instruct those who have never thrown an axe before, and offer tips on technique for more experienced throwers looking to sharpen their skills. Similar to public skating, skiing or swimming – guests throw in a common area with other participants, and may need to make allowance for shared space based on friendly guidance from your BATL coach.
Our leagues are the perfect excuse to get together with friends, make a few new ones and enjoy a little competition. With no experience necessary you’ll compete individually while receiving tips from our friendly coaches – and plenty of time to hang out between throwing. Our calendar culminates in the National Axe Throwing Championship, with qualifying players competing against the best throwers globally for the Wilson Cup and prize money.
Stay tuned for our grand opening announcements, including one month of free open house axe throwing at BATL Houston.
