Frequently Asked Questions

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Paintball is a sport that started in the early 1980s. People from all walks of life and all ages play paintball. Paintball is one of the few sports where age, size or gender really has no relation to skill, and families often enjoy playing paintball together. The minimum age to participate in a private paintball group at Gateway Paintball Park is eight years old. In addition to the full size, full power paintball markers that have been around since the 90s, we now also offer a smaller, low impact paintball option for younger kids, recommended for ages eight to twelve. The minimum age for open play paintball at Gateway Paintball Park is twelve years old. 

In Open Play, a referee will divide everyone into two teams and take the group through each of our playing fields. Typically, a field will be played twice (each game takes 10-15 minutes) and then they will head back up front to reload and welcome new customers to the group. The format of gameplay varies depending on the field. Some fields are simple elimination games, while others are attack and defend or capture the flag.  

Yes you are permitted to bring you own paintball gun and paintball goggles.

All goggles must be manufactured for the game of paintball and meet the following criteria:

1. Must have full face protection from forehead to chin, including both ears.
2. No modifications shall be made to the goggles or the lens that impairs its ability to function as intended by the manufacturer.
3. The lens must be rated for paintball usage pursuant to ANSI Z87.1

All personal paintball guns must meet the following criteria:

1. Pump or semi automatic paintball gun
2. Must be .68 caliber
3. Chronograph under 280 f.p.s. (this will be checked upon arrival)

The key here is layers. You can always take off a layer, but you can’t add it if you don’t bring it. We recommend a long-sleeved tee shirt and pants in the warmer months. When it’s cooler, we recommend you dress for the weather, plus a layer. We have chest protectors, gloves, jerseys and neck guards available. Tennis shoes or boots are the best footwear option. A paintball face mask is required, which we have available to rent.  

We have maintained an exceptional record of safety over the last 26 years. Paintball has been statistically proven to be one of the safest sports in which you can participate, even statistically safer than bowling! At professionally-operated paintball parks, such as Gateway Paintball, physical contact between players is strictly forbidden and proper safety equipment must be used at all times. Due to this protective equipment and safety rules we enforce the most common injury in the game is a turned or twisted ankle from running, sliding and diving, and even then, only when wearing footwear that does not provide adequate ankle support. 

A lot of the time, you will hardly feel it, but paintball hits will sting from closer ranges. Low impact paintball has the least impact. Some compare it to the snapping of a wet towel or rubber band. To keep things fun, we do not allow shooting within 10 feet. Again, the key here is layers. We also have chest protectors available.

Reservations & a deposit are required for Private Groups, where you have a group of 10 or more people looking to play by yourselves. We also offer Open Play every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. No advance reservation is required for Open Play; simply show up day of to register and participate. 

*If we have availability day of for a private paintball party without an advance reservation the group will incur a $50 fee per hour for a private referee and covered pavilion.

Yes. We have all necessary equipment available to rent. Our rental packages include a gun, 3000 psi compressed air tank, hopper, barrel plug and full face mask. Additional items, such as chest protectors and equipment upgrades are also available for an additional rental fee.  

No. Only paintballs purchased at Gateway Paintball Park may be used due to insurance requirements and liability. All St. Louis area paintball fields have the same “Field Paint Only” policy. 

Yes. We fill both CO2 and compressed high pressure air tanks. All-day air fills (1 tank per person) are included in your entry fee. If you are not playing at our facility but want your tank filled, prices depend on size and type of fill. We can also fill kegerator CO2 tanks, but please call ahead.  

We offer paintball year-round in all types of weather.  If you dress appropriately, you will have a great time.  However, as an all-outdoor facility we will close down in the event of extreme weather situations such as tornadic thunderstorms, ice etc..  

All deposits are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule a private group, the deposits are date transferable within 90 days of your original reservation date if rescheduling more than 72 hours in advance of your appointment. Cancelling your private group within 3 days (72 hours) will result in the loss of your deposit.