Best Places To Play Paintball Around The Bay

Ever since its debut more than 30 years ago, the sport of paintball has been going strong in the Bay Area. Although core elements of the game remain, with teams attempting to win a game of capture the flag by shooting paintballs at their opponents, the sport has evolved with a variety of unique rules dependent upon a team's or organization's mandate. While the game itself can be a thrilling and entertaining experience, there are certain safety precautions to be aware of and all participants must be in good health and proper physical condition. Try out of these 5 awesome paintball spots, and win!

American Paintball Park
1230 Greenville Road
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 565-3118
www.americanpaintballpark.com

With eight fields on more than six acres of park space, American Paintball Park is the perfect setting for Livermore residents and its surrounding communities. In addition to the multiple paintball fields, the park has many visitor conveniences, including a paved parking area, rental equipment, handicap accessible restrooms and a food and concessions stand. Players of similar ability are normally placed together, ensuring the most fair and competitive match. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old and anyone under 17 years old must complete a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian. The park is available for private parties, corporate events and summer camp trips.

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Antioch Paintball Park
1201 W. 10th St.
Antioch, CA 94509
(925) 757-2468
www.antiochpaintballpark.com

Located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, the Antioch Paintball Park is open on weekends, with a morning and afternoon session each day. Equipment rentals are very affordable as is park admission and group events such as birthday parties. First-time players are asked to view the online paintball safety video before coming to the park. The safety introduction is repeated onsite to ensure player safety. Also onsite is a snack bar and retail store for paintball equipment.

Paintball Jungle
574 Wetlands Edge Road
American Canyon, CA 94503
(707) 552-2426
www.paintballjungle.com

Known as one of the top playing fields in the country, Paintball Jungle is located in a lesser-known community in southern Napa County, but not far from Vallejo's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. With 40 acres of paintball fields, Paintball Jungle is clearly the largest facility of its kind in the entire Bay Area, with continuous 30-minute big games played all day within a natural forest. Although there is a particular emphasis on the beginning player, the facility is also available for corporate team building, private parties and special events. Paintball Jungle is home to the world's largest paintball team, the 4,000-member San Francisco Hornets.

Santa Clara Paintball
2542 Monterey Highway
San Jose, CA 95111
(408) 288-6855
www.santaclarapaintball.com

What makes this paintball facility different from the others is its sizable outdoor laser tag site, in addition to eight other playing fields. Among the other fields are world-class air ball fields and themed playing areas such as the castle and urban maze. Also unlike other facilities, Santa Clara Paintball is open on Wednesdays and Fridays. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old and all players must agree to follow all safety rules and guidelines within this South Bay park.

Sunol Outdoor Paintball Field
7900 Vallecitos Road
Sunol, CA 94586
(510) 996-7171
www.sunolpaintball.com

Perched between Fremont and Livermore, the small community of Sunol is home to a highly rated paintball field based upon online reviews from guests and web-based articles. The facility is open on weekends for walk-on play but available during weekdays for corporate or private events. Equipment rentals are available, including ammo carriers, chest protectors, semi auto guns and safety goggles. The minimum age to participate is 10 years of age and all minors must have their parents or guardians sign a waiver.

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Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. His work can be found on Examiner.com.