BATL Grounds | Novi — Attraction in Novi

Family member is in a league here and invited us to join them to try it out on a Sunday evening. Took us a little while to get the hang of it but we had a great time. We decided not to bother with the scoring. Had better accuracy personally throwing the axe two-handed (over my head) but we were both unnerved by the concept. We tried to mostly throw it one-handed because of that. Overall, had a very enjoyable time.

Somewhat but not completely helpful (and way too fast!) introductory explanation of how to throw and safety issues by a young man working there. He was friendly enough but since we had never done this, we would have preferred a slower intro with more pauses in which we could ask questions.

Turns out if the thrown axe doesn't actually stick in the target, it might slowly fall down to the floor - or it might bounce to the side (chain-link hanging curtains) or back (toward you). Had thought the floor would absorb more of its inertial but it did not. At least one of my early attempts bounced almost all the way back to where I had thrown it from. Be aware, don't turn your back after you throw, and wear shoes that are solid in front just in case.

Nice open space with good airflow. Lots of options for places to sit. Was not particularly crowded or loud on a Sunday evening. All good, especially because we were about the only ones masking (which was true just about everywhere we went in that area - not as many folks mask there as where we live). Family said it is often much busier on other nights.

Small snacks available to purchase, although we didn't buy any and I didn't check the prices. Women's bathroom was pretty clean.

Got an explanation as to how the target is replaced: in vertical sections as those wear out. Targets are drawn/painted on with a compass or something ahead of time. Interesting. Our targets are in decent enough shape for throwing, but the floor in my Lane should have been replaced before we got there. It had a couple of large holes open to the concrete underneath. I wondered aloud what might happen to access that bounced back and landed in those spots.

They didn't rush us out at the end of our time slot; in fact, they offered to let us throw a few more times, which we really appreciated. So many places rush you out even when there is no one waiting.

Afterward, Kung Fu Tea is conveniently around the corner and is open until 9 on Sunday nights. Great for cooling off after that bit of exercise. Parking is plentiful but not particularly convenient in bad weather, if you have trouble walking, or if you have a lot to carry. You can, however, do a quick dropoff/pickup right in front of the entrance.

We would definitely try this again and return here when in the area, although would still be leery of the...

Ok, I came back to edit my review, while I’m still upset about the original time we visited we decided to go ahead and book our company party here and it was absolutely amazing everyone had a great time our coaches Alex and Steve we so much fun and so helpful. We will be back again and knowing we have to book ahead a time helps!! Thank you for making our party a blast and taking care of us from the issues below! Highly recommended for any party or casual night out!! Everyone was very friendly from the manager to the bar tenders ❤️

This was my first experience and we went ahead and gave it another shot for our company party.... leaving this part here to help others about walk in vs reservations I will say at this point I am a little bummed. We wanted to come check the place out before deciding on having a company party here. We drove 30 minutes to come have a night out after calling to ask about reservations they said nope it’s not needed nor on the website does it say they are required, it simply says that pre booked is taken before walk ins. So the website should be updated that reservations ARE needed to avoid this happening to someone else, especially since I called to confirm. I’ll re-adjust if we decide to have the party...

Came to the Novi location last night, on a date. First time. Something I always wanted to do but no one ever seemed interested. Had a great time. It’s a little tricky at fist (especially when you’re throwing right-handed but should be throwing lefty). Once you get the hang of it, though, it gets easier and way more fun. Staff was awesome. Special shout out to Corinne and Steve - thanks for the added coaching session. We really needed it 🤣🤣🤣 Something fun to do on a first date or with friends or as a couple. Would even be a great work outing. Great idea for just about any event. Something different. I would definitely go back

P.s. I think you need to call ahead and reserve a lane. I know we did. They seemed pretty busy. Steve said every lane was booked after our reservation and while we were there as well, they were all occupied. I imagine it is not really the kind of thing you could just pop in for and expect to be able to do. Show up on time too. You only have the lane for a specified amount of time and it’s a lot of fun. Wouldn’t want to...