The Archery District is nestled in a small industrial complex in Scarborough, where one would hardly expect to find such a surprisingly large room. The doors open to a huge expanse of fluorescent lighting, green Astroturf, and caution tape. Arrows are flying across the room as players tactically dodge their opponents with what appears to be a great amount of skill. This is nothing short of an intense workout.
Upon entering, you are asked to sign a waiver, and can’t help but wonder exactly what you’re about to get yourself into. To the left of the check-in desk, an employee clad in black is demonstrating the art of archery, expertly pulling her bow back and, unsurprisingly, hitting the target with ease. She provides a short lesson to an eager group before they cross the floor-to-ceiling chain-link fence and step into the arena for a 50-minute game.
The groups are divided into two teams, and each person is given a facemask and a bow. The arrows are placed in the centre of the arena, and in a style reminiscent of dodge-ball, everyone runs to the centre to grab an arrow when the game begins.
The games coordinator ensures that each person is made aware of the rules, with variations made to fit each of the three different game formats within the hour. Each game typically lasts either nine or ten minutes, or until the last member of one team is left standing alone.
The large inflatable objects placed strategically around the arena make it possible even for those with poor coordination to stay in the game for a longer time.
With only minutes left to the end, you find yourself wondering how an hour could have possibly passed by so quickly. The next group waits anxiously beyond the fence, and you can’t help but feel as though you’ve become a bit of a professional yourself.
Before leaving, an employee enquired about suggestions for improvement. Unfortunately, my request to have ropes, ladders, and platforms incorporated was denied. Perhaps it would be best to perfect my aim on flat terrain before trying anything more advanced anyway.
For those seeking the thrill of paintballing but hoping to avoid the inevitable bruises, archery tag is for you. The Archery District is certainly worth the hype.
