Did You Know that Austin Has the Largest Laser Tag Arena in Texas?

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?

***

We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like CDs, event tickets and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter 2 times a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and where we give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!