Did you know 55% of all paintball players have never played on public field?

From a veteran players perspective, there is very little a public field offers over outlaw ball and backyard ball. By far the biggest thing that a public field does have that outlaw fields struggle with is this : a fairly steady supply of fresh targets.

But no veteran player finds much challenge in hunting kiddies from birthday groups and church groups. One solution to providing challenging targets sure to please is to support the growth of the pump culture.

Why attract pump players to your public field?

Steady : Die hard players want to play as much as they can afford to. Many will turn pump player so they can play (and practice) more. If they frequent your field, then you have a steady friendly group of customers. They will in turn attract similar players.

Sportsmanship : Pump ballers generally hold the rules and sportsmanship in high regard. This cultural nuance may just rub off on your tourney ballers and rec-ballers alike. As this character trait becomes associated with your field, your field will attract players from other fields that desire to play the game as a game of honor and integrity.

Mixed Groups: Pump ballers also generally mix well with novice groups. Novice customers won't complain about being out-gunned or overshot. And many veteran pump ballers will assist the novice players.

Player/Refs : Many pump ballers are veteran players - and with that comes experience in playing, running games, safety enforcement, novice assistance, etc -- all good things that you can pay your ref staff to do - or benefit from as your customers help out along the way.

Ref Pool : Most veteran pump players ref - or know the basics of reffing. This pool of players may come in handy when the larger novice groups come out or you look for experiences mature refs..

How to attract pump players to your public field?

Entry Fee: You may think $15 entry which includes all day air is fair - and if I need 2-3 fills on my 45/4500 tank, you are right. But the LARGE majority of pump players can run all day on a single fill of co2. How about splitting that entry fee into $5 entry and $10 all day air, or $4/fill

Sponsorship Cards : Consider the impact on your field if you identified the 10 most friendly and respected regular players in your area, and put a free 6 month membership card in their hand? Other players would flock to your field to play both with and against them. Do this once every 4 months until you have growing pains.

Membership Card: How about a membership card that includes entry for a reasonable price?

Paint: Quality paint is a must. Pump ballers count on their first shot being on target, and junk paint can ruin that one shot. At least two grades of decent paint by the bag at a reasonable price is a nice touch sure to please.

Gear : Some pump related gear in the proshop is nice (but fall less important than the above mentioned items). It is easy to add some 10round tubes, and 12grams to your diplay counter. $20 of this stuff, and you look committed. Adding some CCM and CCI markers, repair parts, etc can be added later. Oh, some Sport Shot hoppers and Winchester hoppers would sell well.

Free Pump Days: Offer free entry and discount on paint by the bag once a month for all pump players. Put out a flyer with the upcoming Pump Days on it. Give a hand full to all your pump players to give to their favorite targets.