A new field for local college paintball?
12.4.2007
In the fall of 2005 St. Mary's University hosted the first ever SMU Open NCPA paintball tournament in Joe's field on lower campus. The tournament was a huge success and set a precedence for on-campus tournaments. The SMU Kidz were lucky enough to have Back 80 Paintball (team sponsor) provide an Xball field and other supplies to make the tournament possible. Since the 2005 SMU Open, Back 80 has sold the Xball field. This, along with the flood damage to lower Joe's field has made it impossible to host another tournament.
The SMU Kidz decided to take action and try to host another Midwest North Division tournament. To do this, the team needed to find a new inflatable field and land to put it on. So, with the help of Chris Kendal and other SMU staff, there has been a push to create a partnership between SMU, the paintball team and staff from WSU and Back 80. The partnership would include some funding from both universities to acquire a tournament style inflatable field and Back 80 would provide land to construct a permanent tournament sized playing field. The partnership and plan details are still in negotiations between all parties, but will hopefully solidify before the 2008-2009 school year. Check back to the SMU Kidz website for further updates.