Yeah, there are still plenty of ways to get frustrated and agitated out there. The games were usually set up where one team attacked up a hill while the opposing force sat on the high ground and defended it. It never failed that my group was always on the attacker's side because they would move us over to the Axis side to balance the teams as needed. I think they had about 10-12 chronographs when I was there. Also, we got a heavy thunderstorm the day before the main D-Day game, so the allies were trying to fight up a rock/mud slip-n-slide while the gerries sat at the top sipping cold brews and popping us in the tops of our heads. I recommend this event to anyone who truly enjoys playing paintball or any extreme sport, but if you're just the casual player and not used to ground-pounding in the summer heat then it can break you down physically and mentally.
I posted this on Facebook before the 2010 game:
Based on my experience attending D-Day 09, I will share what I have learned about the #1 paintball event in the world. To all of the players who will registering for the first time...prepare to have your face melted.
Equipment:
Obviously, to play paintball you need a marker, mask and air so I wont get to deeply into that. What I do want to talk about is all of the accessories that will make your week of fighting in the woods more enjoyable and less painful. At the top of my list, is a hydration pack. I cannot stress how important it is to stay hydrated when temperature is in the 90's with sweltering humidity. There will be vendors selling 2 Liter camel backs up there left and right so that wont be a problem to find. Next off are knee pads. You should look into having pads for your other extremities but I found the knee area to be the most critical. The terrain out hear is litered with sharp rocks that will cut you to shreds if your not careful. Regardless of what you might think of Oklahoma, this is boot country. Leave the cleats and tennis shoes at the house, you'll need lace-up leather boots for this outdoor venture. If you'll be camping on site, which i highly recommend for the full experience, you'll need all of your basic camping gear.
Food and Drink:
You already know how important it is to keep your body hydrated with plenty of fluids (water, Gatorade, etc.) don't tank out on soft drinks or you'll be hurting. It is also critical that you eat on a regular basis as well. You'll get hot out there and not feel like eating, but trust me, you must eat a little something so you don't get sick. There will be tons of places to get good food up there, most of it is catered by groups and restaurants (some local, some from afar).
The Game:
Over 4,000 players have attended Oklahoma D-Day in the past several years. That means that the chance of you coming to odds with someone is pretty high. In a large event like this, there will always be the type who run around with their markers thinking that rules and sportsmanship do not apply to them. In a melee like this, you will get bunker balled. Just go a head and accept it. you will get over shot, one way or another, by members of the opposing team. If this happens, try to keep a calm head about you and notify a ref of anyone being a jerk. I had stuff like this happen to me and my squaddies on Omaha beach and believe me it was not pleasant. There will be times that you will get hot and frustrated, there are plenty of dead zones around the battlefield to rest and cool yourself down.
The Site:
It is a wild experience at D-Day Adventure Park and there is always something to do when your not participating in the mini-scenario games. There is a movie tent to cool down in the shade and watch your favorite war flicks. Vendors that have every piece of top of the line paintball gear will be there for your enjoyment. I'm going to say it right now though, the showers/bathrooms stink, literally like foul eggs from the sulfur in the well water. There are two sets of shower houses, last year one was scalding hot and the other was freezing cold: take your pick. In the middle of the complex are two speedball courses to watch pickup games and tournaments between squads. The tents, campers and RVs are on the outer perimeter of the site with all of the vendors and facilities located near the middle.
Cost:
The entrance fee is $75 wether you play for the entire week or just for the big game. As far as paint goes, you buy 500 round tickets for about $15 bucks a pop you can just keep in your billfold. Whenever you need paint, you just go up to the back of the paint trailer where they keep it cool and just turn in the # of tickets for however much paint you need. Only you know how much paint your going to need. As for me, I would go through about half a case for every mini-game and then a full case for the big game for a grand total of about four 2,000 round cases for the entire week. Your air is included in the $75 entrance fee. I'd say meals, depending on who you got it from, varied between $8-12 a meal. The vendors will have just about every piece of paintball/outdoor merchandise you could possibly need or want. You may see something that would really compliment your set up, so save up on your birthday money cause this is the place to spend it.
So lets tally it up (prices vary):
entrance fee: $75
meals (plus snacks and drinks): $10 per meal x 3 meals a day x 7 days = $210
Paint: $60 per case (or $15 per bag) x 4 cases = $240
vendors (spending cash): $100-200
Miscellaneous (camping equipment, gasoline): $300
I'd say, as a grand total with direct and indirect costs applied, your looking at spending close to a thousand bucks. But hey, everyone is different on how they can get by on trips. You'll mail in the $75 entrance fee prior to leaving on the trip, but I'd start off with $500 in your pocket when you leave. If you ever need it, theres a ATM machine in the D-Day Cafe. I don't want to scare anybody off if the prices seem steep, they're really not since you get the ultimate bang for your buck and its completely up to you as to how much side money you'll need.
Get plenty of exercise. Get your body acclimated to the heat and humidity. If you think you can lay up in the air conditioning playing video games and drinking cokes then your going to hurt. Also, since there are plenty of ways to punish your body out there I would suggest that you pack a first aid kit. D-Day provides professional medical treatment on site but it's good to have your own supplies to treat yourself when you need it. D-Day starts in 2 weeks so get your gear ready and have fun out there.
