Outdoor fields require acres of land, while indoor fields need a minimum of 20,000 square feet.
Equipment and Costs
Every player requires a marker, mask, paintballs, and a loader. A barrel sock is also compulsory. Guns can be found for as low as $100 and can go as high as thousands. A decent paintball gun costs $100-200.
Popularity and Business Viability
Interest in the sport had declined before the pandemic but is not dead or dying. The US had 1,770 fields in 2021, up 1.6% in five years.
With a good business plan, owners can earn an average of $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Outdoor fields can be set up on private land. Paintballs range from $15 to $30 per 500 and $50-75 per 2000 rounds, with price depending on quality and consistency.
The pain from being hit ranges from an elastic band snap to a bee sting, with the worst result being a small bruise or welt.
Starting a Paintball Business
The paintball industry is worth $1.3 billion, with startup costs ranging from $3,500-$5,000. General liability insurance costs $400-$1,100 yearly. Entry fees range from $10-$25 per round, with equipment rentals around $30. Revenue comes from various sources including admissions, rentals, tournaments, and merchandise. Bringing external paint is not allowed.
Fields and Insurance
- Regulation Field Size: 36 meters wide by 45 meters long. Each grid square is 3.6 by 3 meters. NXL fields are 150-by-120 feet.
- General Liability Insurance: $400-$1,100 yearly.
- States with Most Fields: Texas, California, and Florida.
Paintball Origins and Game Duration
Paintball began when Nelson Paint Company developed paint spheres shot by CO2 pistols in the 1960s. Games can last from 15 minutes to 1 hour.