AKA Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
We are located in Eastgate Mall, near Time Warp Comics and the old Sears store.
HOW BIG IS THE ARENA?
The Dart Ops arena is just over 8,000 sq ft!
WHAT IS IT LIKE IN THE ARENA?
The entire arena floor is covered in athletic gym mats. There is music, LED lighting, different types of barriers including 55 gallon barrels, plastic crates and blaster ammo EVERYWHERE! There are also other surprises during theme nights and certain holiday seasons!
Our Arena Bosses/Referees will be in the arena to explain different games and help enforce the rules. For every hour of play in the arena, you should expect to play roughly 8-12 different games.
Guests who aren’t playing will be able to pull up a bar stool at the 29 foot wide observation bar and watch all the action and listen to some awesome tunes!
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT TO PLAY?
While we would love to welcome kids of all ages in the arena, our recommended age for the arena is 5and up. We use manual prime Rival blasters that require some degree of arm strength to use. We also have a limited amount of Dart Blasters for our younger warriors. If you are unsure if your child will be able to use the blasters, feel free to call us with questions. Or stop by the arena to try out the blasters before you book your time. It is our goal to make sure everyone’s experience in the arena is the best it can be!
WHAT DO I HAVE TO WEAR TO PLAY?
You will get your exercise for the day at Dart Ops for sure, so you will get warm playing. You can play in shorts or pants. Any kind of shirt is fine. You must wear socks without holes in them. If you don’t have any when you arrive, we do have some for sale at the check-in desk. Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the arena and will be provided to you.
SINCE I AM PLAYING IN SOCKS, WHERE DO I PUT MY SHOES WHILE I’M PLAYING?
We have shoe cubbies where you can place your shoes, jackets or anything else you don’t want to take into the arena. Dart Ops is not responsible for anything left in the shoe cubby though, so we recommend you leave anything you value in your locked vehicle or with someone who can look after it for you.
DO I NEED RESERVATIONS TO PLAY?
While reservations are helpful if you have a large group, walk-ins are always welcome Friday-Sunday all year round. During Summer Hours, walk-ins are welcome unless there is a private event scheduled Tuesday-Thursday.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO PLAY AT DART OPS?
Everyone in your group must sign a liability waiver. Children under 18 must have the waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. Every player must wear socks with no holes in the arena. Arena rules must be followed at all times.
HOW DO I PLAY THE GAMES AT DART OPS?
All players will receive their blasters, safety glasses and team colored vests at the check-in counter. After that, an Arena Boss/Referee will go over the safety rules with you before entering the arena. Arena Bosses/Referees will be in the arena to make sure everyone understands and follows the rules for each game.
HOW LONG DOES EACH GAME LAST?
Game times vary depending on how many players are in the arena at one time, which game is being played and lastly how good each player is with their blaster! On average, each game will last between 3-6 minutes.
WHAT BLASTERS DO YOU HAVE?
We have many different blasters, both Nerf Rival style for the older kids and adults and a limited amount of Dart Blasters for our younger warriors. We focus on stocking the blasters that are the highest performing and most durable so that we can provide the best overall experience for our players.
CAN I BRING MY OWN BLASTER AND USE IT?
Yes! You may bring any Nerf Rival style or Dart Blasters as long as they are not heavily modified to shoot over 125 fps.
DO WE ALLOW PLAYERS TO UPGRADE TO BETTER WEAPONS TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE?
No, our pricing model is set so that you buy a certain amount of time in the arena. Players are free to use any of the blasters in our armory. If you try a blaster and end up not liking it, you can bring it right back to the check-in desk and we’ll give you any other available blaster you choose. Our whole goal here is for you to have a blast! 😉
HOW MANY BLASTERS DO WE HAVE?
We have over 150 blasters in our armory, and we are always looking to buy more or add some variety.
I HAVE A NERF RIVAL BLASTER AT HOME I DON’T USE ANY MORE. WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN BUYING IT?
Possibly. Our first question will probably be why aren’t you using it? They’re so much fun! But we get it, you may be too busy or maybe your interests have changed.
DO YOU HANDLE BIRTHDAY PARTIES?
Yes! We regularly book birthday parties. We have 2 large party rooms with their own refrigerator and freezer. For additional information, click here to see our party room details.
DO YOU HANDLE OTHER TYPES OF PARTIES?
Yes! Dart Ops is great for all types of group outings. We can handle business groups, corporate team building, church groups, sports team parties, etc. Private parties can also be scheduled. Call Scott at (513) 218-0800 for details.
CAN I WORK WITH DART OPS ON A FUNDRAISER FOR MY ORGANIZATION?
Absolutely! Part of giving back to the community is helping organizations raise funds for their cause. Dart Ops would be happy to help you with your fundraising effort. Call Scott at (513) 218-0800 for details.
DO YOU HAVE LEAGUES OR TOURNAMENTS?
This is a possibility we are exploring. If you have interest in participating in a league or tournament, please email us at [email protected] and let us know. We’ll see what we can do to make that happen.
DO YOU SERVE ALCOHOL?
No, we do not serve alcohol. We do have water, soda and sports drinks.
ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH NERF IN ANY WAY?
No. We have no affiliation with Nerf or the Hasbro company.
BIRTHDAY PARTY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN FOOD AND DRINK?
Yes! Both of our party rooms have a refrigerator with a freezer. We do request if you bring your own drinks, you bring cans or bottles. No 2 liters. You can also bring your own food, cake and ice cream.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BOOK A PARTY?
We require a $100 non-refundable deposit. If you need to change the date of your party, the deposit will be credited to your new date if you book your new date within two months of your canceled party. The balance of your party bill will be due upon check-in on your party date.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN DECORATIONS?
Yes! We LOVE parties! We will even help you set up and decorate if you need some help!
WHAT SUPPLIES DO YOU PROVIDE?
We provide plastic orange or green tablecloths for all the tables in the party rooms.
HOW DO I BOOK A PARTY?
You can book a party one of 3 ways:
- Call (513) 753-DART (3278)
- Online: www.dart-ops.com/parties
- In person: Eastgate Mall – 4601 Eastgate Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45245
CAN I COME IN AND SEE A PARTY ROOM AND THE ARENA BEFORE I BOOK?
Absolutely! We love visitors! Come in anytime during business hours and we’ll be happy to show you around the space and answer any questions you may have. If you can’t make it during business hours, call Scott at (513) 218-0800 and schedule a visit.
HOW LONG ARE WE IN THE PARTY ROOM?
You will have access to the party room for 2 and a half hours. Parties are structured for one and a half hours in the arena, then an hour celebration in the party room. If you are bringing in outside food, you’ll want to make sure it’s there about the time the players are scheduled to be done playing so you have time to eat and complete any other festivities.