WE’RE BATL AXE THROWING
From our humble beginnings in 2006 BATL Axe Throwing 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 18 venues, using our advanced axe throwing statistic software (AxeScores.com) 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 Axe Throwing, and what do we do?
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.
BRINGING AXE THROWING TO THE USA
In 2017, BATL Axe Throwing stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL Axe Throwing’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth.
We wanted to keep the ball rolling, so shortly after the opening of our Nashville venue, BATL Axe Throwing set its sights on the windy city. Founded by Scott Hollander, Thunderbolt Axe Throwing was the first-ever axe throwing venue in Chicago – and was a perfect fit to team up with BATL Axe Throwing. Located in the Portage Park neighbourhood, near the surrounding neighbourhoods of Old Irving Park, Avondale, Dunning and Des Plaines. Hollander is an axe thrower himself and former lawyer who has a passion for showing people a good time, throwing fun events and teaching people how to throw axes. Thunderbolt Axe Throwing Chicago gained local press in Voyage Chicago, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Tonight amongst other news outlets.
Earlier this year, BATL Axe Throwing opened its 3rd venue in the US (in the past year, no less). Situated just 8 miles from the City of Detroit, the community of Novi has been one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Michigan for years. BATL Axe Throwing Novi opened earlier this year and is the premier axe throwing facility in metro Detroit. The venue is located at Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk near West Oaks Shopping Centre, in the heart of Novi. Our newest location has been an instant success thanks to a warm welcome from our surrounding community, and we’re excited to continue bringing the unique thrill of axe throwing to Metro Detroit.
This is just the beginning of our growth in the United States with our newest location in Phoenix and over 6 more planned for 2019 in the USA.
BATL PHOENIX
Phoenix may have a reputation as a travel destination, but it’s also a city brimming with a vibrant community, arts, and much more. It’s a city that promises abundant amenities, from vibrant outdoor activities and sports to a thriving downtown and waterfront. The city of over 220,000 inhabitants is known for the excellent quality of life mixed with tourist appeal. Not just a city of retirees, people are flocking to Phoenix for its family-friendly reputation.
With a buzzing arts and culture scene, many schools that are ranked top in the state, and endless potential for outdoor activity, it’s no wonder that the younger demographic are taking Phoenix by storm. The downtown area – known as Old Town Scottsdale – is one of the most unique urban downtown centres in the American Southwest. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are home to world-class art galleries, museums, restaurants and retail shops. When the sun goes down, the area really shines – with world-class bars, restaurants, and nightlife options. Old Town Scottsdale is also known for hosting great events throughout the year such as markets, art walks, festivals, parades, concerts, and block parties.
EXPERIENCE AXE THROWING AT BATL AXE THROWING
Free Axe Throwing: Join us for an extended open house schedule, taking place each Friday & Saturday between 21 December – 26 January, from 6 – 10 pm (local time) and learn how to throw an axe with friends & family!
League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL Axe Throwing 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. 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 worlds foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL Axe Throwing 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: If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL Axe Throwing 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 Axe Throwing has you covered.
Private Axe Throwing Event Bookings: BATL Axe Throwing offers two types of private event bookings: 1-hour bookings for groups of 2-5 people, and 2-2.5 hour bookings for groups of 6 and up. No matter which private event you book, you’ll get the same thing that BATL Axe Throwing 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 Axe Throwing locations offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you.
OTHER WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE PHOENIX AREA
Musical Instrument Museum: Discover unique instruments and music from around the world at MIM. High-tech headphones and multi-media displays immerse you in global musical traditions, while the hands-on Experience Gallery lets aspiring musicians of all ages try their hand at instruments like guitars, gongs and gamelans.
Old Town Scottsdale: Old Town’s nine walkable neighbourhoods offer you a variety of experiences by day and night. Discover historic Scottsdale in Old Town, browse the galleries of the Arts District, shop along Fifth Avenue or discover the energy of Scottsdale after dark in the Entertainment District.
Golfing At TPC: TPC may be best known as the home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, but it’s also one of Scottsdale’s finest public, desert-style golf courses. Play where the pros play with a round on TPC’s Stadium Course – you can almost hear the crowds cheering on the infamous 16th hole.
Museum of Contemporary Art: SMoCA celebrates modern art, architecture and design of our time through thought-provoking, changing exhibitions. The museum, an ingenious renovation of an old movie theatre by architect Will Bruder, also is home to “Knight Rise,” a James Turrell skyspace that allows you to track the sun’s colorful path across the desert sky.
We’re happy to call the US our second home. If you haven’t experienced the unique thrill of axe throwing yet, it’s time to get Sorta Extreme today!
