Frequently asked questions
What is Urban Axe Throwing?
Axe throwing as an indoor competitive sport that started in Canada in 2006 and quickly caught on in the United States after Urban Axes opened the first axe throwing facility in the country in 2016. Similar to darts, axe throwing is an individual sport played with and against other members of a group. Individuals throw 1.5 lb. hatchets at wooden targets marked with a bullseye and score points based on where on the target they stick the axe.
If you've thrown axes before and want to try something different, we also offer throwing knives!
How does it work?
Group events at Urban Axes last 1.5-2 hours depending on group size and must be booked in advance. All events start with safety instructions and guidance from our fully trained Axepert coaches to get everyone throwing safely and comfortably in a private throwing area. Once you’ve sharpened your skills, we’ll kick off a round robin tournament followed by final knockout round to award an axe-throwing champion. Your group will play a series of round robin matches and then a standard elimination tournament. At the end of every tournament, one member of the group is the winner.
Is it safe?
Safety is our number one priority. The format we use and the construction of the throwing lanes are all focused around the safety of the participants. Each competitor throws in his/her own individual lane and competes side-by-side with another competitor. Our Axepert coaches will be nearby to ensure safety protocols are adhered to. Only the two active competitors throwing at that time are allowed within the throwing area, all other competitors are required to wait in the safety zone behind the lanes.
Do I need to make a reservation?
You definitely need to book ahead for group events. We do offer walk-in throwing sessions throughout the week. Please check our schedule for availability. We are available for group bookings 6 days a weekand also offer corporate event packages.
Are there minimum age requirements?
You must be 12 or older and accompanied by an adult 18 or older to enter these facilities. Friday and Saturday nights after 5PM, all persons must be 21+ with valid photo ID to enter and throw.
What if more people want to come after I've already booked my reservation?
The group size range that you booked tells us how many throwing lanes your group needs. As long as your number of participants stays within your group range, you’re good to go
If not, contact us to ensure we can accommodate your group.
What if my group is between two booking sizes? Which should I pick?
We always recommend booking the bigger size. It does require a slightly larger deposit (always fully refundable until 1 week before your event), but it is much easier for us to decrease the booking size as you get closer to the date than it is to increase it if we have already filled up! Some days sell out early and then we cannot increase your group size, so you’ll have to cap your group at less than you may have wanted to bring.
If your headcount falls below the minimum number of people for your booked group size, you MUST give us at least 72 hours notice to change your booking size or you will be obligated to pay for the minimum number of people in the originally booked group size.
Bookings for 21+ people MUST give us at least 7 DAYS notice to downsize to a smaller group size, or you will likewise be obligated to pay for the minimum number of your current booking.
I went to book on the site, but it says "This must be booked two days in advance". What can I do? Help!
Why hello there, you procrastinator you. Although it frequently isn’t an option, and we always recommend booking much further in advance, sometimes we do have the availability to get you in at less than 48-hours-notice. The only way to do this is to contact us by phone or email. We can see if there have been any last minute cancellations and add you to the waitlist.
Can I throw an Axe? Really?
You sure can! It has nothing to do with size or strength. And once you land your first bullseye, you’ll be hooked!
Do you have any food or drinks on sale? Can I bring my own?
We have a full service bar serving beer, cider, wine and sodas. You may BYO food, but you may NOT BYO alcohol.
We also offer catering packages for group events, please see the Corporate Event page for more details about catering packages.
If you are a group of 25+ and doing BYO food then there will be an outside food/catering fee proportional to the size of your group. Please enquire via the Corporate Event page for more details
What do I wear?
The only real requirement is for closed-toe shoes, although it is helpful to have a shirt that allows you full range of motion for your arms. Other than that, it is pretty much up to you. If you want to wear a ball gown or your favorite track suit, do it up!
Is there Parking?
There is paid street parking in the area. Ride sharing is strongly recommended.
How do I pay?
We require a deposit to confirm your reservation at time of booking. We are a cashless facility and only accept credit and debit card payments both online and at the venue. Cash payment is not available, nor do we accept checks. Guests can pay the balances they owe individually onsite at the time of event.
What about accessibility?
Our facility is fully ADA compliant with regards to access ramps, bathrooms and throwing facilities. Axe throwing is readily available for a wide range of people with different abilities.
Contact
Questions? Reach out anytime, we’re here.
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urban axes durham
619 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
