Bullseye: Try Axe Throwing at Urban Axes in Downtown Phoenix's Warehouse District
by Taylor Bishop
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Urban Axes opened in the Warehouse District in August 2019 with the goal of bringing people together, one bullseye at a time. With a new activity in our neighborhood, my DTPHX colleague and I had to give it a shot.
Admittedly, I was nervous about throwing a sharp metal object at wooden targets — especially since I’m a pretty clumsy person. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the process was with a coach guiding us every step of the way.
Urban Axes has public walk-in hours, group bookings and eight-week leagues available at its Downtown Phoenix location. The cool warehouse space south of the train tracks on First Street even has its own bar with local Arizona brews and a variety of other options.
For $20 an hour, walk-in throwers get their own designated throwing lane, a 1-on-1 lesson and safety instructions.
The eight-week leagues start in January, March, May, August and October with no skill requirements or team needed. Up to 30 people can participate in the league — which ends in a tournament on the eighth week and costs $130.
Axe throwing is also a fun way to team build, celebrate a birthday or catch up with friends. Event packages include food and drinks for each thrower — with options including a build-your-own fajita or taco bar from Willie’s Taco Joint and tasty meals from other local restaurants.
Throwers must be 21 or older to participate.
Of course, there are a few rules you need to follow when throwing an axe. The first, and probably most important rule, is to obey your coach. Our coach Anna was incredibly helpful and was there for us the entire time for any questions. She even helped me perfect my form and throw the axe nearly into the bullseye — but I don’t think I’ll be throwing it one-handed like her anytime soon.
Another rule to remember is to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes to have a full range of movement.
When in the throwing area, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get your axe until both axes in the section have been thrown. You also need to return axes to the block once you collect them from the targets.
Fun fact: We also learned that Urban Axes’ Philadelphia location was the first indoor axe throwing facility in the country!
Walk-in hours are from 6pm to 9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.