Photo of Paintball Stadium audience
watching competition at Huntington Beach City Beach. March 28 -30, 2008
Huntington Beach, Calif.―Without
digging up the dirt (or sand), there are a few things our writers recall
about the introduction of paintball to Huntington Beach. It started back
in 2002 when the former council person or mayor at the time, Pam Houchen,
pitched the idea of allowing an organization, National Professional
Paintball League, to hold one leg of their national tour on the beaches
of Huntington Beach. Among a variety of issues, it was determined that
money could not be charged for watching the game, per laws that make the
public beaches available to all free of charge.
A second issue was an
environmental concern. Paintball is extremely messy. Though non-toxic
paint capsules are used in play, the paint splatters all over the place.
It is the nature of the game and is completely unavoidable. But through
some crafting and design, it was determined that the sand and
surrounding environs could be returned to their original state. Those
council members who approved the event will remember better than our
staff how the votes went and who said Nay or Yea.
BEACHCALIFORNIA Publisher Debbie
Stock worked at the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (HBCVB)
at the time and recalls posting the event on the HBCVB web site. The new
paintball league owners were set to occupy the office space above the
HBCVB office on 417 Main Street, and Brian Houchen's company performed
the alterations on the office space for the NPPL offices. One partner in
the NPPL company, Chuck Hendtsch, eventually sold his interest in the
company and closed the office on Main in HB circa 2006-2007, we believe.
While much opposition initially
existed to this event, the hotels and restaurants in town were jazzed
that they were selling rooms and food. The paintball competitors spent
lots of money locally, and the event, itself, was financed through
sponsorships, team competition fees, and vendor expo sales.
What's remembered about this
endeavor is that while some opposed (and may continue to dislike) the
idea of paintball at the beach and in Huntington Beach, the merchants
and hotels said the event was a real boom for their shoulder season
revenues. And so in 2008, NPPL National Professional Paintball League
returns to Huntington Beach, California for its fifth year. The hotel
rooms sell out so if you plan to attend, book now, or look nearby in
Newport Beach. More
Paintball vacation guide: Where to
stay in Huntington Beach is a problem if you don't book ahead. The rooms
often sell out. If you find yourself caught unaware, there are some
affordable nearby options that you can check out. One is the
Seaport Marina Hotel in Long Beach. Another nearby popular choice is
the
Best Western on PCH in Newport Beach. If you need more ideas or
help, you can send an email and we'll offer some advice. Email you event
query to the email below, and we'll do a search for your criteria to see
what's left in the closest area.
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