PaintballX3 Magazine August, 2013 Euro | Page 84

TOURNAMENT Thursday would find us exploring the neighborhood a bit on our own while we waited for Vlada. Once she arrived we were off to see this paintball heaven located in Ukraine. When we first came to the sight we were shocked at the size of the Arena and all of the activities that were going on. Vlada led us through the pubs, mini golf area and the pool to find the main paintball field. The field itself is regulation Millennium sized with a few extra luxuries. Unlike some venues Pro Arena offered showers for players to freshen up after a long practice or event. The staff was amazingly friendly and quite helpful despite the fact they did not speak much English. The field is surrounded by a plexi-glass (hockey glass) shield that allows for safe spectator enjoyment. Everything that a player could want was to be found at Pro Arena. On Friday we would catch up with the Celtic crew and check out the sight with them. They were just as amazed at the venue as we were. Several teams were showing up at the site to check out the layout. We returned to the hotel to find that several of the teams were also staying there. Saturday morning would come early. Saturday morning brought the teams to the field. The division 2 teams would start out the day. The event would flow quite easily. The atmosphere was very friendly as teams helped each other and especially helped the UK team. Visitors to the park would filter in to the spectator seats to watch the action. Many had never seen paintball before and would ask players passing by or sitting near what it was and how the game is played. Match after match flew by. Time was non existent at this point as the event was so wonderful that no one cared about the time. Suddenly all matches were over and winners celebrated. The awards ceremony would be held later at the players party. The players party itself was more amazing than the event! The awarding of the trophies would end up in each team on the podium taking a celebratory toss into the pool. The party went on into the night and early morning. Paintball players are a die hard breed and no challenge put in front of them is impossible, including a players party from out of this world. 84 PAINTBALLX