When most people think of paintball, they think of mischievous, Bart Simpson-like middleschoolers terrorizing the neighborhood with tiny –and surprisingly painful!– paint-filled pellets.  But to the massive, nation-wide subculture of paintball enthusiasts, paintball is a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to corporate executives (?!).

With this mind, Downtown Houston’s Urban War Zone aims to cater to players of all ages and backgrounds.  Outfitted with sandbags, oil drums and bunkers, UWZ really does look like a war zone.  But beginners shouldn’t be intimidated– the field’s website has numerous resources for both seasoned players and beginners, including articles on strategy, shooting position guides and product info on the latest paintball technology.

The field offers a variety of special packages, including monthly passes and discounted play on Sundays.  Players can also rent the field for a private party, or play at night for a whole new experience.

And yes, Urban War Zone even invites business owners to partake in the sport with their employees, suggesting that a day of paintball can do wonders for corporate culture.  On the field, employees will learn valuable communications skills, and earn one another’s respect by displaying their unique skills and talents.  (Though UWZ advises against bringing employees who dislike each other, as hours of shooting each other with 200-MPH paintballs is likely to exacerbate conflict rather than solve it.)