For cool, sporty indoor fun there’s nothing quite like testing your mettle with an axe in your hand. The place to find out is the Axe House in Driftwood. Teamed up with the Driftwood Dugout sports bar, the throwing range is part of a 2,500 square foot sports complex on FM150.
The Axe House opened in May with seven lanes dedicated for play. Each lane features seven different games that are projected by video onto a throwing surface made up of square log end cuts butted together in a parquet- like pattern.
Players can throw to a standard bullseye, or onto a Tic-Tac-Toe image. Other games include “Connect-Four” and another one similar to the video game, “Candy Crush.”
Surprisingly, the most difficult game is the bullseye, said Dugout barman Porter Price, who, along with fellow bartender, Chandler Latham, demonstrated their chops in side-byside lanes. They provided further instructions that included staying behind the “red line” when throwing, and requiring that spectators, who can observe from nearby tables, stay behind a blue safety line. Teams of up to six participants, age 12 and up, can play per lane.
Throwing leagues have already formed, Latham said, with players who not only pitch axes, but hurl knives and stars. “Visitors,” said Price, “are coming not only from nearby Dripping Springs, but Wimberley, Austin and Waco. Walkins are welcome but reservations are suggested.” Play starts at $25 per person.
The sport of urban axe throwing is credited to Canadian Matt Wilson who started the Backyard Axe Throwing League in Toronto in 2011. While relaxing at a cabin outside of Toronto in 2006, Wilson and a group of friends started pitching an axe at a stump to pass the time.
It proved to be a cathartic way to blow off steam, and before long, Wilson was hosting two leagues in his backyard.
Interest in the sport exploded and the BATL was formed with Wilson at the helm as CEO. The sport quickly spread to the U.S., and according to BATL statistics, nearly half of league members are women.
Just steps away from the throwing lanes in Driftwood is the spacious Dugout sports bar with seven large screens and a full-service bar where fans can tune in to major sporting events. A family friendly place with beverages for kids, Friday nights are dedicated to Karaoke. Check Facebook and Instagram accounts for weekly trivia night days and times.
The complex is also open to private events like birthday and wedding parties, company events and other special occasions.
The sports complex is located at 18992 RM 150 Suite 201 in Driftwood. They are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m., Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m. For additional information visit driftwoodaxehouse. com.
