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Axepert with group

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers.

How are you keeping people safe during COVID-19?

Please check out our COVID-19 page for all the information on how we are keeping people safe.

What is Urban Axe Throwing?

Axe throwing as an indoor competitive sport has taken off in Canada over the past decade and more recently in the United States since Urban Axes opened its doors as the first axe throwing facility in the country. Similar to darts, axe throwing is an individual sport played with and against other members of a group. Individuals throw 1.5 lb. hatchets at wooden targets marked with a bullseye and score points based on where on the target they stick the axe.

How does it work?

Group events at Urban Axes last 1.5-2 hours depending on group size and must be booked in advance. All events start with safety instructions and guidance from our fully trained Axepert™ coaches to get everyone throwing safely and comfortably in a private throwing area. Once you’ve sharpened your skills, we’ll kick off a round robin tournament followed by final knockout round to award an axe-throwing champion. Your group will play a series of round robin tournaments and then a standard elimination tournament. At the end of every round robin tournament, one member of the group is the winner

Is it safe?

Safety is our number one priority. The format we use and the construction of the throwing lanes are all focused around the safety of the participants. Each competitor throws in his/her own individual lane and competes side-by-side with another competitor. Our Axepert coaches will be nearby to ensure safety protocols are adhered to. Only the two active competitors throwing at that time are allowed within the throwing area, all other competitors are required to wait in the safety zone behind the lanes.

Do I need to book or can I just come in?

You definitely need to book ahead for group events at your preferred location. We do offer walk-in throwing sessions throughout the week. Please check our schedule for availability. We are available for group bookings 6 or 7 days a week, depending on the location, and also offer corporate event packages.

What are the minimum age requirements?

Urban Axes Boston is a 21+ facility. No one under the age of 21 is permitted entry. All guests must provide valid photo identification on entry to an Urban Axes facility.

For our Austin, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Durham locations, You must be 12 or older and accompanied by an adult 18 or older to enter these facilities. Friday and Saturday nights after 5PM, all persons must be 21+ with valid photo ID to enter and throw.

What if more people want to come after I already booked my reservation?

The group size range that you booked tells us how many throwing lanes your group needs. As long as your number of participants stays within your group range, you’re good to go.

What if I think I may go over my group booking size?

If you've already booked but now another friend or neighbor (or your friend’s neighbor!) want to join in as well (and who wouldn’t?), and you think you’re going to go over the range you booked, please contact the site you booked at ASAP (contact details are on your invoice!) and we can check availability to increase your reservation size. Please give us as much notice as possible though because we tend to sell out quickly and, if that happens, you'll just have to tell your friend’s neighbor "no" and cap your reservation. Nobody wants that to happen!

Site Contact Details:

What if my estimate is in between two group sizes? Which size should I book?

We always recommend booking the bigger size. It does require a slightly larger deposit (always fully refundable until 1 week before your event), but it is much easier for us to decrease the booking size as you get closer to the date than it is to increase it if we have already filled up! Some days sell out early and then we cannot increase your group size, so you’ll have to cap your group at less than you may have wanted to bring.

If your headcount falls below the minimum number of people for your booked group size, you MUST give us at least 72 hours notice to change your booking size or you will be obligated to pay for the minimum number of people in the originally booked group size.

Bookings for 21+ people MUST give us at least 7 DAYS notice to downsize to a smaller group size, or you will likewise be obligated to pay for the minimum number of your current booking.

I went to book on the site, but it says “This must be booked 2 days in advance.” Do I have any options to come in at this point? Help!

Why hello there, you procrastinator you. Although it frequently isn’t an option, and we always recommend booking much further in advance, sometimes we do have the availability to get you in at less than 48-hours-notice. The only way to do this is to contact us by phone or email. We can see if there have been any last minute cancellations and add you to the waitlist. We also announce last minute cancellations / availability on our facebook page.

Site Contact Details:

Can I really throw an axe? Really??

You sure can! It has nothing to do with size or strength. And once you land your first bullseye, you’ll be hooked!

Will someone teach me how to do this?

Of course! Our trained Axepert coaches will start with coaching to get everyone throwing safely and comfortably, and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Do you have any food or soft drinks for sale? Can we bring our own?

Food and drinks availability varies by location - some of our facilities are fully licensed and/or have a kitchen, while others are BYO food and drinks for individual consumption. All of our facilities offer catering packages for group events, please see the Corporate Event page for more details about catering packages.

If you are a group of 25+ and doing BYO food then there will be an outside food/catering fee proportional to the size of your group. Please enquire via the Corporate Event page for more details.

Food and Drink Availability:

  • Austin: BYO food, soda and alcohol (beer and wine only, no hard liquor!)
  • Philadelphia: BYO food, soda and alcohol (beer and wine only, no hard liquor!)
  • Baltimore: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda. BYO food!
  • Boston: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda and food!
  • Cincinnati: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda. BYO food!
  • Durham: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda. BYO food!
  • Phoenix: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda. BYO food!
  • Houston: Full service bar selling beer, wine and soda. BYO food!

Am I allowed to bring alcohol?

It depends on the location. You are welcome to bring beer or wine (no hard liquor) to our BYOB locations, and we have refrigerators to make sure your cold ones stay that way, while at our licensed locations we’ll have plenty of beer and wine for sale to keep you hydrated. Either way, no hard liquor is permitted!

BYOB locations:

  • Austin
    (We offer complimentary drinks to all persons based on the length of your visit with us, including alcohol for our 21+ guests)
     

Licensed locations:

  • Baltimore
  • Boston
  • Cincinnati
  • Durham

What if I don’t have a group, how can I participate?

We offer weekly walk-in sessions and Open Throwing sessions at various times, for individuals, couples or very small groups - please see the Walk-ins page for more details. You can also join one of our leagues! You don’t need a group to join a league.

Do I need experience to join a league?

No experience is required! Our friendly league community prides itself on helping new throwers learn the ropes.

Is there an age limit?

Urban Axes Boston is a 21+ facility.  No one under the age of 21 is permitted entry.  All guests must provide valid photo identification on entry to an Urban Axes facility.

For our Austin, Baltimore, Cinicinnati and Durham locations, you must be 12 or older and accompanied by an adult 18 or older to enter these facilities.  Friday and Saturday nights after 5pm, all persons must be 21+ with valid photo ID to enter and throw.

What do I wear?

The only real requirement is for closed-toe shoes, although it is helpful to have a shirt that allows you full range of motion for your arms. Other than that, it is pretty much up to you. If you want to wear a ball gown or your favorite track suit, do it up!

Is there parking?

Parking varies on a location-by-location basis, however please also consider alternative transport options such as taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, etc. and drink responsibly!

  • Austin - There is ample parking on site and additional street parking available in the area.
  • Baltimore - there is ample parking on site.
  • Boston - there is limited parking on site and additional paid street parking in the area, ride sharing is highly recommended!
  • Cincinnati - there is paid street parking in the area, ride sharing is highly recommended!
  • Durham - there is paid street parking in the area, ride sharing is highly recommended!
  • Philadelphia - there is limited street parking available in the area, ride sharing is highly recommended!
  • Phoenix - there is limited street parking available in the area, however there are many nearby parking lots. Ride sharing is highly recommended!
  • Houston - there is ample parking on site.

How do I pay?

We require a deposit to confirm your reservation at time of booking. We only accept credit and debit card payments both online and at our facilities at this time. Cash payment is not available, nor do we accept checks. Guests can pay the balances they owe individually onsite at the time of event.

Do you allow spectators?

Availability for spectators varies on a site-by-site basis due to local conditions and regulations, so please enquire ahead of time as to local policy. But why spectate when you can participate? First time visitors often tell us "I didn't really want to throw, I just came because my friends were, but I'm so glad I did and had such a great time!". That said, if someone in your group is unable to throw, exceptions can be made. Please contact us if someone in your group cannot throw.

Can we take pictures & videos?

Definitely, you will want to remember your first bullseye. We’d also love for you to tag us on Instagram, Facebook and Tweet us! #urbanaxes

What about accessibility?

We like character in our facilities, so we are generally in older warehouse-type buildings, but we make sure all of our facilities are fully ADA compliant with regards to access ramps, bathrooms and throwing facilities. Axe throwing is readily available for a wide range of people with different abilities.