"Fury”, “Vietnam” & “Battle of the Bulge”. Three mini tank paintball battlefields unlike any other in the country. Mini Tank Battlefield is located on 66 acres in Hico, Texas.
 |
| Mini Tank |
The question that all my friends keep asking me is “What would possess a 71 year old woman to want to participate in a paintball battle?” I asked myself that same question as I lowered myself into my mini tank.
 |
| Suited up and ready for battle |
Each September I fly to ‘the ranch’ in Texas to spend time with my older brother and only sibling. We are 355 days apart in age so we celebrate our birthdays together. This year my sister-in-law thought it would be fun to battle each other at the Mini Tank Battlefield.
If you are driving from Waco, Texas take State Hwy 6 northwest to Hico. Turn right on Texas 220 toward Glenn Rose. Turn right after 2 miles at the ERATH COUNTY line on County Road 3243. The battlefield is down 1 mile on the left.
From the Dallas/Fort Worth area take 35W south to Alvarado. Exit on US Hwy 67 then turn right toward Glenn Rose. 13 miles past Glen Rose turn left on State Hwy 220 toward Hico. Turn left on County Road 3243 at the HAMILTON COUNTY line. The battlefield is down 1 mile on the left.
Note:
Don't
type in the actual address on google maps. Type in Mini Tank Battlefield. This
will lead you to the correct location. 
The business opened this year and is currently without a sign but we knew we were in the right area based on a soldier statue that flanked each side of the driveway. We thought it best to capture a photo BEFORE we began the battle.
 |
| L to R: Myself, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and brother |
We were met by owner Robert Valdez who escorted us to his office to review a few basic rules and sign our waiver forms.
 |
| Inside the office |
 |
| Robert covering some rules and mechanics |
I found Robert Valdez to be both engaging and entertaining. Robert served 21 years as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army specializing in tank operation. He knows his tanks. Robert purchased the tanks in England and shipped them to Hico where he modified them to shoot paintballs.
In
addition to mini tanks, the facility also houses ATV’s that are battle
ready. The property also includes a
driving course and static targets. You must be 14 years of ago or older to drive the tanks and shoot at the static targets. Ages 16 and up can participate in the battle. 
ATV
Our group consisted of six so Robert divided us into
two groups. The Americans against the
Germans. 
Forming our teams
Once we arrived at the battlefield each team planned their battle strategy. Robert starts the battle with the wave of a flag. The tanks begin to roll. If you run out of paintballs during a battle, raise both hands in the air. If you experience equipment problems, raise one hand in the air.
When the game is over it's time to assess the damage and claim a WINNER! This time around bragging rights had to be awarded to my daughter-in-law Trista Sparlin. 
Sharon Sparlin after the first battle
Both teams after the second battle
Bragging rights go to Trista Sparlin on the far right
So what is the cost you ask?
FURY PACKAGE - 1 hour of play
Minimum 4 people - $45 per person
1 battlefield with 2 battles - 100 paint balls per vehicle
Maximum of 6
SHERMAN PACKAGE - 2 hours of play
Minimum of 4 people - $50 per person
Maximum of 8
PATTON PACKAGE - 3 hours of play
Minimum 4 people - $60 per person
Maximum of 8
ABRAM PACKAGE - 4 hours of play
Minimum 4 people - $70 per person
Maximum of 8
TANK GUNNERY DRIVING COURSE
$20 per person
Driving and shooting 10 static targets
No Minimum amount of people
(Appointment needed - no deposit
required)
All
Packages (except FURY) come with 6 Tanks, 4 ATV's, 100 Paint balls,
Helmet, and Neck Protector. Includes all 3 Battlefields.
Discounts are available for Hico Residents, Military and First Responders. They also do custom packages. For more information or a rate quote give Robert a call at 817-689-5658 or visit the website at Mini Tank Battlefield.
#Hico #minitankbattlefield
