They say everything is bigger in Texas. This is going to be no exception. The cat is out of the bag: BATL Axe Throwing's 15th venue is on the way this spring, and it’s going to be calling Houston, Texas it’s home. The City of Houston website puts it best:
“Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit, it’s no wonder that Houston is a popular international destination.
You can enjoy Houston’s outstanding performing and visual arts venues. Try one of the countless restaurants available, offering cuisine in everything from Tex Mex and South American to Middle Eastern and Vietnamese. For sports fans, we have local teams representing all major sports. Do some shopping; Houston offers something to fit every budget – from the exclusive shops in Houston’s Uptown area to the outlet malls just outside the City…”
All it was missing? BATL Axe Throwing’s brand of urban axe throwing.
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
BATL Axe Throwing mission is to show people the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build a community inspired by the background roots. Matt Wilson’s BATL Axe Throwing is the first organization in the world to offer an urban venue to experience the thrill of indoor axe throwing. Today over 1.5 million people have experienced the thrill of the sport across the globe. With the success of BATL in the Greater Toronto Area, expansion was possible into Pickering, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Calgary in Canada; in addition to Novi, Nashville, Scottsdale and Chicago in the United States – with more on the way! This has encouraged and excited celebrities and television show segments such as; Hockey Wives, Grand Opry’s Another Round, Ruby Rose, Vin Diesel, Gerard Butler, George Parros, Clive Standen, Hannibal Buress, and many more.
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 Axe Throwing’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 Axe Throwing coach.
Our axe throwing 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.
Stay tuned for our grand opening announcements, which as always will include one month of free open house axe throwing! Wondering what to do while you wait for BATL Axe Throwing to set up shop in Houston? We’ve got you covered…
WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON VIA VISITHOUSTONTEXAS.COM
Head To Minute Maid Park
The 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros have called Houston ‘home’ since 1962. The ‘Stros, as locals lovingly call their hometown baseball team, began playing at Colt Stadium, moved to the world-famous Astrodome in 1965, and now reside at Minute Maid Park in Downtown Houston, since 2000.
Minute Maid Park, completed in 2000, is the Houston Astros’ downtown home. Minute Maid Park’s retractable roof technology brought open-air baseball to Houston for the first time in 35 years, and the natural grass surface and classic architecture provided Minute Maid Park with the atmosphere of the great ballparks of baseball’s Golden age.
Visit The Cistern At Buffalo Bayou Park
Built in 1926, an underground cistern was used for decades to hold a large portion of Houston’s public drinking water. After it sprang an irreparable leak, the 85,000 square-foot public reservoirs were drained and sat unused and practically forgotten about. The hypnotic beauty of the chamber is reminiscent of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern but with thin rays of light from open hatches above that illuminate the wide expanse.
Spend The Day At Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the greater Houston area. Discover the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human spaceflight program set among the largest collection of space artefacts in the southwestern United States.
Shop It Away At The Galleria
The Galleria, an international shopping destination that hosts more than 24 million visitors annually, offers world-class shopping with more than 375 stores, 30 restaurants, two hotels, and a full-sized ice rink. 2 million square feet of retailers means hours of shopping possibilities.
Get The Meat Sweats At Jackson Street BBQ
The pits are fired up and ready to barbeque at Jackson Street BBQ in downtown Houston near Minute Maid Park. The joint venture is the brainchild of Houston BBQ legends Bryan Caswell, Bill Floyd, and Greg Gatlin. Their combined expertise will surely satiate the hunger of any barbecue lover in a laid-back environment with counter service and good vibes.
Head through the cafeteria-style line and pile on the smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and coleslaw then top it off with a homemade slice of pie. In the near future, look forward to plenty of seafood fare as well including barbecue crab, shrimp, and crawfish.
