Sounds pretty cool, I'm in. I've been wanting to go back to BFP, just waiting for an event that interested me and a different producer than the last event I attended there - I had some issues with the reffing and debris, but that's addressed below. I love WWII history, and their field setup sounds like it would be perfect for a scenario like this.
1st Strike Event: D-Day
D-Day
June 6th, 1944. The largest invasion force in history closes in on the continent of Europe. Both the Allies and the Axis have poured untold numbers of men and materiel into the preparations for this day. Fortress Europe bristles with defenses, while the Allies hope to gain a toehold with sheer numbers and determination alone.
Allied and Axis generals will have complete strategic control over where their troops strike on the battlefield. Beginning with the invasion of the beaches, the Allies will be tasked with pushing their advance further inland throughout the day, gaining increasing point bonuses for linking up their territories. The Axis will try to prevent this from happening at all costs. The battlefield will be sectioned off into predetermined locations. Each of these locations will grant the team holding it a special ability. The Axis will begin the day with a huge advantage over the Allies, controlling all 7 territories, their points and their abilities. However, they will have little opportunity to make up lost points, should they begin to falter. The Allies will need to establish momentum fast and keep it up throughout the day in order to gain victory. Every territory gained and held is another nail in the coffin for the Axis powers as their initial point advantage begins to slip away.
In addition to the fight for control of the territories, Command will issue special objectives twice an hour to the generals of each side. Completing these objectives will result in a point bonus for the Allies, or the ability to counterattack a lost territory for the Axis. Regardless of whose side you're on, these seemingly insignificant tasks may result in the victory or defeat of an entire army.
Pre-Registration Saves You $ 10.00.
http://www.battlefrontpaintball.com/I know this is a week away from MM's Ghost Recon(which I'll have a thread for shortly) - so keep that in mind.
This event should have a larger crowd than we are used to seeing, and the field is really, really cool. I don't expect a large BoB team turnout for this, maybe 7-10? - especially with the MM event on May 30th, but I hope some of you can make it - should be a good time and fun playing a different format.
PRICES:Filling Station Fees $5 All day CO2
$9 All day Nitrogen
Scenario Day Fee $20 Scenario Fee
Paint Pricing ......................................500.....1000....2000
Winter Grade POLAR ICE....$18......$35......$68
Tournament Formula 13.....$19......$37......$74
Basic Grade - Heat...........$15......$29......$57
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On a side note, I had a ncie PM conversation with a fellow on Spec Ops who is affiliated with no team, and he gave me some very hopeful news about BFP's recent work on the field. Our PMs:
Hey Ger, I don't know you yet but My name is Jason, I co-captain Band of Brothers. I am going to also skip Ghost Recon to make DDay. I have been to BFP twice in 2007. The Four Pack was a blast! I also went to the Tet Offensive and was less than impressed. It just felt disorganized there seemed to be a lack of refs for the size of the crowd(probably why it seemed disorganized)and none of my guys really had a good time. That said we're looking to go back to BFP but I was hoping you could answer some questions for me...
I heard they've cleaned up the field some over the last 2 years, is that correct? I'm referring to debris such as glass and what not. I really jacked up my shin last time I was there on some debris just under the dirt.
How many people do you think will be at DDay in June?
I also don't know much about First Strike - will there be adequate reffing staff?
I look forward to slinging some paint with you then, and you won't be dissapointed with AVP, it's a blast. Mission Masters has a unique format that's really very entertaining. Thanks a lot for your time man,
Jason
I was not at the TET Offensive game, but have been to several since. TET was run by the field's "home team" ARC Troopers - it was their first time producing a scenario, needless to say there where issues. Dave (owner) let them put it on in the hopes he & his staff would be freed from that responsibility from time to time, focusing on the operation of the field itself. ARC has since put on a fair number of games & all the ones I've attended have been outstanding. The ARC's are a great group of guys & I believe were just in over their heads a bit, which is understandable. As an example of how far the ARC's have come, last years WaW by them was the largest game we've ever had at BF, just a few shy of 300 players & it went great - this years WaW may get over 400 players.
The field itself is constantly being maintained & updated. A lot of new structures & bunkers have been put in play & the areas around town (probably where you were hurt) truly are in good shape. If I recall correctly, at some point in time during the summer before last they cleaned up the "town" & spread a ton of mulch throughout the center between the buildings, most of that has been pounded into the ground obviously & some of the grass has grown up but it just puts more space between the players & any underlying debris. I imagine there will always be some amount of debris scattered about just due to the original use of the place, but the staff has done a great job turning this into an ideal place to play paintball. A lot of the credit can go to the ARC's for their work, as the field has grown so have they & they've played a major role in setting up the field the way it is now. If you show up on an open play weekend, inevitibly there are a handful of them onsite volunteering as refs. For scenarios you'll usually find most of them not playing, but helping in the admin building w/ registration, checking people at the chrono range, or on the field reffing.
First Strike is an A+ group of guys as far as I can tell, their leaders are pretty smart based on my experiences w/ them at the field. They produced their first scenario at BF last fall - Band of Brothers - it went unbelieveably well. We only had something like 150 players but that was because it literally poured buckets all day. Even w/ all the rain & the problems that could've caused, I felt the game went really well. I do remember running into a couple refs who seemed to have no idea what was happening, they were just focusing on keeping things safe, but had radios to contact the producers when we did have questions. Neither of them were First Strike guys (rather volunteers) & both admitted to missing part of the ref meeting - I guess you'll have that from time to time when you have teenage volunteers. Their second scenario will be in May - SOCOM - I won't be able to attend as I'll be out of town, but I have no doubt it'll be well run. As for D-Day, no way to tell how many we'll have, but I would guess somewhere around 200+ but could certainly be more as long as the weather is nice.
Believe me, I'm no ARC or First Strike "fan boy", I have no close relationships with any of their players (just some good times slinging paint with/against) so take my words for what their worth. I myself have no team affiliation, just me and a couple friends who love to play paintball. While Battlefront is a great place to play, I myself have had some bad moments their as well. That's life, the owner & his staff aren't perfect... I'm not either
(so says my wife).
Looking forward to the chance to play along side you in the future.
Mark
