Spanning over 750 acres for exciting and immersive gameplay, Skirmish Paintball is not your average paintball facility. This is the world's largest arena for the sport and it’s located in the Pocono Mountains. In an interview with Sky Fogal, the president and owner, we dive into the unique challenges and benefits of running such a massive operation, as well as the role government auctions play in acquiring equipment and props for the facility.
The Immersive World of Skirmish Paintball
Skirmish Paintball sets itself apart from other facilities by offering an immersive experience that mirrors video games. With over 50 maps, there is a diverse range of playing fields, including replicas of famous landmarks like the Alamo and realistic cityscapes. Sky’s goal has been to bring the virtual world to life, allowing players to experience the thrill of their favorite video games in a real-life setting.
“We’ve put everything on these maps from old-style wooden forts. We made a replica of the Alamo, castles, towns, cities, villages, to giant cargo containers. If you can play it in a video game, my goal is to let you be able to play it in real life.” - Sky Fogal
Replicating video games requires a variety of stuff from outdoor heavy equipment to household items like furniture. To achieve this, Sky has tapped into reusing and repurposing items, which led him to Municibid.
Creating Realistic Gameplay with Government Auction Finds
For years now, Fogal has relied on government auctions to bring life to his paintball environments. These auctions allow him to save money by buying items used and in bulk.
“We use Municibid to put a lot of the different props on the field. Some are playable, and some are just for show. We were able to buy used street signs at one auction. They were great. They really made the streetscapes we designed to play on look realistic.”
One of the most popular maps at the premier facility is Tippmann City, which consists of approximately 36 buildings. Aside from the usual clientele, this location has been used by the Department of Defense for training, as well as SWAT teams.
“Trying to buy any of that stuff new, it’s a paintball field, it’s gonna get messy, it’s gonna get shot. It’s crazy to buy it new. So a few dings, scratches, whatever, for us gives it a lived in look, gives it a little more authenticity than buying brand new shiny things. Not to mention, again, the huge cost savings.”
“I think my favorite one to use as a bunker on-field, is definitely some of the large culvert pipes that we’ve put in play, which you can see in a lot of our different fields.” - Sky Fogal
Fogal also praises Municibid for its user-friendly platform. Users are able to search for items based on type, pricing, and location. The latter is especially important for Skirmish Paintball because of transportation logistics when acquiring larger items.
The Challenges and Benefits of Government Auctions
While government auctions offer a wealth of opportunities for businesses, Sky can attest to navigating challenges too. Since most sellers do not offer shipping, Skirmish Paintball often has to arrange their own transportation of items. This can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially when dealing with large and heavy equipment.
Despite the obstacles, the benefits of government auctions far outweigh the difficulties. Fogal appreciates the quantity and variety of items available at government auctions, which suit the needs of the company’s large-scale operation. Moreover, the focus on reusing and repurposing aligns with the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.
“I’m outside six days a week. So because of that I’m a huge proponent of reusing. If I can reuse something, I don’t have to buy it new. I don’t have to generate a new waste stream because of that. Reusing and repurposing stuff is something that, especially in our paintball company, we live by. It’s a true model for us.” - Sky Fogal
If you’re new to the auction world, Fogal’s advice is to check the auction listings regularly, as the available items can vary and change over time.
Conclusion
Municibid has played a significant role in helping Skirmish Paintball become the premier company it is today. Through a myriad of props and equipment Sky Fogal has managed to cultivate an immersive and realistic gameplay experience in over 50 different maps. Government auctions have helped him save money and produce memorable experiences for his clientele. All the while, he’s managed to find valuable resources while saving on costs. This isn’t the only business benefiting from government auctions. You too can find a wide range of items with a wide range of uses!
