When I was a member of the United States Coast Guard, I had to go to several laser tag arenas as part of “team building” exercises. I also went to a few with my church community as part of “youth group” events. Call it what you want, the experience was always the same.
Heading to Blazer Tag, I figured I was in for your typical laser tag arena, an over-priced “family fun” indoor playground boasting semi-defective equipment, disinterested employees, sticky floors and the stereotypical bunch of little kids running around.
I was wrong.
Blazer Tag is unlike any laser tag arena I’ve been to before.
Located at 1701 W. Ben White Blvd. in the Southwood Center is an old theatre which has been converted and transformed into the largest laser tag arena in the state of Texas.
Walking into Blazer Tag Austin is an assault to the senses. There are over 60 video games, air hockey tables, skeeball, a large snack bar, a redemption center for prizes and more. Hanging overhead is the newest addition to Blazer Tag, an indoor ropes challenge course called Austin Sky Trail that looms above while patrons play video games.
As active as this main room is, this isn’t the half of it.
Literally.
Record-Holding Austin Laser Tag Arena
Imagine a three-story, maze like structure, filled with ramps, bridges and over 20 raised areas that range between 5′ and 16′ in height. Then throw in over 20 creative scenarios and story lines, state of the art laser tag equipment and a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and you start to get an idea of what this Austin laser tag center is about.
First you select a gamer name. I wanted Austinot, but Brittany snatched that up before it was my turn to pick. So I went with my standard gamertag, Sorcegon.
Then you walk into a briefing room where you get the rules and stuff like “we’re not responsible if you die.” Then after a quick Q&A, you move into a neatly organized “vesting” room where you don your gear and prepare to head into battle.
Each game is 20 minutes long and quite a workout! My group was made up of adults and it was everyone vs. everyone open fire, shoot anything that moves type event. It was some of the most heart pounding, ramp climbing, tower controlling 20 minutes I’ve spent in recent memory, and a lot of fun.
I took second place, and walked out of there with my head held high, but I have to admit I was looking around the vesting room as we took off our gear, trying to figure out who beat me. Some guy named “ACE574.” Hey, if you are reading this “ACE,” how about a rematch?
Blazer Tag Austin Cost and Stuff
So you’d think this would be pretty expensive. Actually it’s rather reasonable. A 20 minute laser tag game costs $8.50 (cheaper rates available for groups). They also have weekly specials which include:
- Monday Fundays: 8 PM game is just $1. 8:40 game is $5.00.
- Student Saver Thursday: BOGO for students with valid student ID.
- Late Night Laser Tag: Every Friday and Saturday night after 10 PM, laser tag games are $6.75.
Blazer Tag Austin is really something you need to experience for yourself if you are in Austin and haven’t been out to it yet. The arena is really spectacular and won’t disappoint. They have 8 private party rooms and group rates, they do fundraisers and corporate packages and of course they do birthdays.
They also have a laser tag league on Thursday nights.
Give them a call at 512-462-0202 to find out more, or check out BLAZERTAG.com for details.
@EricHighland asks:
What is your favorite indoor place to go to in Austin for recreation?
Dustin Vegas says
Woah. That sounds awesome. What was the music like inside the arena?
Brittany Highland says
It was totally Mission Impossible-esque! Motivated me to kick some butt. 🙂
Drew says
The league that operates there on Thursday nights has been playing there ever since the place opened. Their games offer the chance to play the more advanced team games against some of the best players in Texas and the United States (several of their members have played in national and regional tournaments).
We are always looking for more people to jump in and play with us and the two league game package is also the cheapest two game package that Blazer Tag offers.
Brittany Highland says
@9270689aacef3d522d00d787ebc916a6:disqus, we really appreciate you posting more info about the league. We couldn’t believe how many game variations were posted up on the wall for serious players. Is there a URL that people can go to for more info?
Drew says
The league does have a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/301530199935527/) and there is a section on the Blazer Tag website about the league as well. The group is free to join by anyone.
I keep player stats from week to week and post them up for everyone to read and I describe the game that is played each week so that people can see the basics on how to play that game.
Eric Highland says
Has @1cf0635a65b50e906634ef22052fb2e2:disqus seen this? Sounds like it might be up his alley.