In the weekend of the 9th and 10th of September 2023, the Dutch airsoft league, NABV, organised their ten year anniversary event, at the Vliegveld Twente event location (a former military airfield). At the former airplane Hanger 11 a big fair was held, which presented all the disciplines within the airsoft community. Demonstrations were held, many Airsoft organisations and shops had their own stands.
The entirety of the event showcased how airsoft as a sport has grown and matured in the last ten years. A little further from the hanger was the former military landingstrip, a two kilometer long tarmac strip surrounded by woodland, the old soldier barracks, bunkers and air traffic control tower.
The NABV challenged us to transform this empty strip into a playable skirm location, that could accommodate over 700 players, divided into 4 skirms in 2 days. Making it the biggest skirm ever held in the Netherlands. The location should provided enough interest and challenges for all types of airsofter.
We love a good challenge and got to work.
NABV 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SKIRM ‘The Strip’
SAFE ZONE & TESTING
One of the biggest challenges with this mission was logistics.
Getting players as fast and efficient from arrival, through the safe-zone,
joule testing all their replica’s, on the field and ready to play. And while the morning skirm was held, preparing the afternoon players the same way, and make them leave and enter the field without getting mixed up.
We came up with a very effective system and managed to joule test 175 players, within 15 minutes each time! However, Our approach and system could not have worked without a great team of marshalls and passionate players helping us out.
THE STRIP Field development
The size of the strip field was roughly 400 x 100 meters.
We looked at what was possible with the location and what would be engaging for the players.
We strategically placed makeshift compounds with closed of fences and hid props and assignments all over the location, for players to find and move.
Gameplay and props
We build realistic props and challenging assignments and gameplay to go with them.
Strategy and teamwork where key to successfully accomplish a mission.
Victory
Within the two days, both the blue and the red team were able to successfully accomplish their missions. However, the small but fanatic yellow team was able to stop them twice. Making them the overall winners.
But… is this the end? or will all fractions come face to face, for another epic battle on the strip?
