Costs and Investment
Startup costs for a paintball field range from $30,000 to $90,000. Expect to invest at least $50,000 (not counting land or building) to start your field.
Starting a Paintball Business
Steps include: plan your business, form a legal entity, register for taxes, open a bank account, and get a credit card.
Location and Budgeting
By selecting the ideal location, you can create a memorable paintball experience for customers and build a successful business. Budget and financing options are critical when setting up a field.
Land and Equipment Requirements
- Outdoor fields require acres of land and indoor fields will need an absolute minimum 20,000 square feet.
- Every player requires a marker with propellant to fire the paint, a mask to protect the eyes and face, paintballs, and a loader to hold them. A barrel sock or plug for the marker is also compulsory.
Industry Insights
Interest declined pre-pandemic but is not dead or dying. The US had 1,770 paintball fields in 2021, up 1.6% over five years.
Business Operations and Revenue
With a good business plan, owners earn an average of between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. Additional income can be earned from player rental of equipment and gears.
General Paintball Information
- The actual field size is 36m wide by 45m long – each grid square is 3.6m x 3m.
- Paintballs generally range from $15 – $30 per 500 rounds and $50-75 per 2000 rounds. Price is affected by shell quality and consistency.
- The pain ranges from an elastic band snap to a bee sting, with the worst being a small bruise or welt.