One of the other forumers on here, 'Paintballworm' got the hot idea to see if we couldn't get the local paintball field hereabouts to host a scenario game.

They not only liked the idea, but admitted freely that they know very little about the concept. So, he and I are in charge of setting up and running a scenario game here in upstate NY.

What I want from you guys, is any tips/ideas from anyone whose done this before, or has done enough of them where they've got a pretty good idea of how things are run.

We've both done a few of these, and are pretty confident we can pull it off into a successful game.....we would like though, to get any input from you folks that we can that might help make this go a little more smoothly.

and I'd better get responses......or I'll sticky this until I do. I can do that you know.

Thanks in advance folks.

1)  You should get your field owner friend to go a big named scenario game as a player to get a feel for the difference between the management styles required to run the game.  It is quite a different experience to run 5 games of 30 players than to have 1 big game of 500.  The owner has to figure out how to manage and provide basic services like air, food, parking, and paint while still having enough judges on the field.  They also need to understand how to get their various marked fields to work together as 1 large field.

2)  Get some good named teams to help sponsor the event.  They will have the built in organization to form the core of the command structures of the various sides.  They will also help with the extra judging/staffing duties required.  Note: The team has to be one that likes scenario/ woods play and has a good attitude, if not they could be a hindrance rather than a help.

3)  Get a manufacturer sponsor.  They will greatly help in getting the word out as they want to hype themselves.  They also may provide freebees for various prizes. 

4)  After you get the 1st 3 on board, get a cool theme.  You need a marketable product that will get players to pay the extra costs associated with the style.  Popular historical battles or movie based themes work.  Be careful to be original enough not step on trademarks, etc.  Example:  using "D-Day" could get you sued.  However, if you approach some groups like living history units, they may help you with cool props for a donation to their various causes. 

5)  Pick a date.  It shouldn't fall on bad holiday weekends like mother's day.  It should have good weather for your region and/or be appropiate for the scenario.  (For example:  rainy weekends wouldn't be good for an Iraq scenario nor would mid summer for Stalingrad).  It shouldn't be within 2 weeks of another major scenario game in your general region.  These things cost allot of money to the players and you don't want them to have to pick between your untested game and say I.O.N at Skirimish.

6)  Think props to back up your scenario!  Scenario players spend more money on average for a weekend of play and expect something for the cash.  Tanks?  mortars? smoke?  cool buildings to fight thru?  flags?  items to capture?

7)  Once you have a game, get the word out at least 6 months ahead of time.  Paintball magazine ads, etc.  Talk to you local tv/ paper reporter and get them hyped (maybe let them play for free).  If they write about you, you get free hype and will build up future games.  

Also, I know some players like the ability to play at night.  If you go with a 24hr or greater concept remember the extra liability.  You don't want to get sued by some kid's parents because he stepped in a gopher hole and broke his ankle.  The field may will need extra insurance, lights, etc.  The liability angle also goes back to #1 above.  Remember people will be wandering places they will not goto on normal play weekends and you will have to contend with a bigger and possibly less "professional" staff.