“We enjoyed it so much to where we wanted others to experience it the same, and also make Minot more of a destination – bring people to the city,” Langseth said.

Because the nearest paintball arena is 170 miles away in Jamestown, they believe there is opportunity to attract people to Minot and also to introduce new people to the game.

“You don’t really understand what it’s like until you do it,” Langseth said. “Once we did it, we were hooked. It’s just a fun activity. A way to get people together, too.”

He envisions birthday parties, bachelor parties, work socials, or just friends getting together for something to do.

Hunter Langseth, left, and Mitchell Pratt are owners of the new Shots Fired Paintball to open this spring.

“It’s really just a way to get social and play with friends in a different way,” Langseth said. “We wanted to do something fun and outdoors, mainly because once we experienced it, we wished there was something around here to do like that, without having to travel.”

Paintball was invented in 1981 in New Hampshire. The game involves players or teams who seek to eliminate opponents from play by using low-energy airguns that propel dye-filled gelatin balls. Some games involve capturing flags or retrieving objects. It is a hide-and-seek or tag game that players can enjoy at any age. Shots Fired Paintball requires parent or guardian signatures for players younger than 18. Referees monitor the arena to ensure safety practices are followed.

Minot formerly had a privately operated paintball arena that had to close due to its location along the path of the flood protection project. Langseth said Shots Fired Paintball will differ from the previous facility in that people won’t need to have their own equipment. All tools and safety gear will be available for rent.

A hindrance to getting into the sport can be the cost of equipment, which can range up to $1,000, he said. That investment only pays off if others have invested as well so that there are people to play and form teams. Rental equipment solves that problem, although people who have their own equipment are welcome at Shots Fired Paintball as well.

Original plans to open last summer were delayed until this spring, but Langseth said the arena is ready to go as soon as weather permits.

Shots Fired Paintball is located on Valley Street, behind The Grain Hopper bar. The arena is an enclosed, netted area of 100 feet by 250 feet, with a collection of obstacles consisting of crates, pallets, and barrels. Langseth said they are open to making future improvements and welcome feedback from customers regarding the layout. Bleachers will be available for spectators.

There will be military discounts and some freebies or discounts for the person being celebrated if it is a special occasion event.

Shots Fired Paintball will be open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The arena also will be open weekends by appointment. Hours may vary based on weather. Updates related to this spring’s opening and any schedule changes can be found on the Shots Fired Paintball Facebook page. The arena will operate into the fall as long as weather permits.

Langseth said the best way for people to show their support for efforts to diversify sporting in Minot is to participate.

“Because we’re trying to make the city a fun place to be,” he said.