Anyone remember the War Zone in So. Cal? [Archive]

pickle

12-13-2002, 12:16 PM

I posted this as a fluke! War Zone was THE place to play. I started there in '89 and miss it dearly. I too drive by it, but daily as now I live close by. The owner of the property will still have nothing to do with paintball because of they way things ended there.

I cut my teeth at the War Zone. My very first game was at the War Zone and it was at night with scratched Uvez goggles and PGP's. Man what a blast! I then "graduated" to a Nightmare short barrel pump and then to a long barrel. Then to an SL-68I (that I still own) and on up from there. I recently found some pictures taken of me when we were there and I shed a tear for the loss of the Zone.

It is nice to know there are some old school ballers out there like me.

pickle

12-13-2002, 12:17 PM

That name rings a pretty strong bell. I think I remember the team. Do you remember when Navarone played there?

toad526

12-13-2002, 12:43 PM

Yep, remember playing against them...the group I played with were friends with Earon Carter, so we mostly used Buzzards and comps.. Navarone, the old Navorone that used to kick everyones butts at tourneys were just crazy ballas...

I only played there a couple of times before it went under....if i remember correctly, the son who started to run the place was the downfall...someone said he was letting people dump stuff on the property that was toxic or something to that effect...

It was a loooong time ago...I just got back into playing last year after stopping back in 96'....it has changed sooo much...

Did you ever play at Pumpkins old place, Lions Den?..that was a great place to play also...we were there every weekend....

pickle

12-13-2002, 01:25 PM

The War Zone went under because of drugs. I believe they were dealing drugs from the field.

Paintball is just not what it used to be. There is no honor and cheating is not only common place, it is accepted. I have run across a few threads on this site dedicated to cheaters and they brag and discuss how to cheat. It is sad and pathetic.

As far as the Lion's Den....I used to work there for Fred "Pumpkin" as a ref. That was a fun place. A few of the pictures I told you about at War Zone (some were of the Lion's Den). I even earned myself a Pumpkin Patch one day. I just lost the jacket that was sewn onto, along with a War Zone patch!! AAAGGGGHHHH! I miss that place too. There are no more woods fields any more. Everything is speedball, attitude and rate of fire. I just sold my Buzzard :( .

You wouldn't happen to be playing in the 24 game at the Jungle tomorrow?

toad526

12-13-2002, 02:03 PM

aahhhh..the old coveted "Pumpkin Patch".....too funny..I still have mine..had to chase his fat butt all over to get it..hehehe..loved Pumpkin...played at his other field 5 years back, before it got washed out....it was on the other side of Temecula by a house he owned...god, that place brings back memories...one time, were were playing a walkon pump game and Earon, Fridge, Wes, and Jessica Sparks showed up...we got our group with theirs and went to play the semis over at Sherwood Forest...worked them pretty bad and they accused us of cheating..too funny...do you remember a guy name "Fernando" that used to be there all the time...he's one of the old Renegades...

I was going to try to get to the 24 hour one, but I have 3 xmas parties to go to, 1 tonight, 1 tomorrow nite then a family get together on Sunday...totally blows..I was talking to the guys from Reign of Fire about it...its going to be a blast....

yeah, I heard that drugs also had something to do with warzone closure...some say that was the reason the guys started to let people dump whatever cuz he needed money to buy more stuff...what a waste...

pickle

12-13-2002, 04:21 PM

Yeah, I remember Fernando. Good guy as I recall. I was also friends with Pat and Nick who worked there. Nick was actually in my wedding as an usher. Pumpkin actually lost his field because he was sued too many times and the new place he picked was too close to expensive homes with rich, influintial people. At least that I was told by good sources. I guess he is still driving around his Lion's Den truck. His daughter, Shannon, just got married too from what I heard.

everyone there used to call me "Catfish" if that rings any bells. Seems we ran in the same circles.

I'll be playing at the 24 hour game. I've been wanting to do one of these big games for years. Should be fun.

pickle

12-13-2002, 04:21 PM

toad526

12-13-2002, 04:35 PM

Wasn't Nick that one who drove a bus for a living for the school districts? Anways, yeah, if you knew Fernando, then I probably played with you a couple fo times..there was Mark, Jason Porter, a guy we called Mickey due to the fact he wore Mickey Mouse ears on his mask(This is daniel, he, mark and I still play...) and then a few others that have gone their own ways....

So Shannon got married...thats cool...mmmm...Pumpkin burgers at lunch time...hehehe...

Have fun this weekend...

As for your nickname..too funny, my friend Kevin "Catfish" Arcinna plays for the SC Ironmen....

l8tr,
todd-

pickle

12-13-2002, 06:07 PM

That would be the same Nick. He's in prison now for a homicide. I don't know the exact circumstances other than he got into an argument with a male on his front lawn and shot the guy a few times in the chest. I hadn't seen Nick since my wedding 8 years ago and I guess this happened about 5 years ago. I just found out last week.

I remember the guy with the Mickey Mouse ears. lol

Bulldogg

12-13-2002, 07:55 PM

Where exactly was warzone? Im in Wildomar so i'd like to go see it.

doubletap

12-13-2002, 09:09 PM

I can't believe it that some of the old school guys are still around playing, yeah War Zone and Lion's Den were both the best fields around until all this speed ball came into play. I played at the Den quite a few times and I think I remember some the players your guys were talking about. I especially remember the player with the Mickey Mouse Ears. He was bad ***!! I think he was probably the best paintball player I ever saw with a pump gun. He was quick, agile and fast like a mofo....neway enuf about him. I could not make the 24 hour game at Jungle Island but I play there quite often. I think I remember seeing the Renegades play there a few times. Are they the ones with the black jerseys that are from other type of sport, because from what I remember they were not your typical paintball jerseys. In fact, I think they I saw them play at the Old Fogey tourney at tombstone a couple of weeks back while I was there playing on the walk ons. Well glad to see some of you guys are around......

pickle

12-13-2002, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by Bulldogg
Where exactly was warzone? Im in Wildomar so i'd like to go see it.

The War Zone was the best field in the day.

From Wildomar,

North 15
Exit Indian Truck Trail
Turn Right on Indian Truck Trail
Turn Right on Temscal Canyon Road.
Go 15 feet turn left on dirt road.
The entrance is right under the "Fishing" sign on that hill that is done in white rocks.

Only, don't go on the property. Once the field was closed they bulldozed and removed everything! Not to mention there are tresspassing signs everywhere. I'd pay $ just to be able to walk the property again!

There was a great two story tower at the mouth of that big tunnel/outlet that goes through the dam to the lake (Corona Lake). If the owner would let go of her stereotypinTemscal Canyon Road.
Go 15 feet turn left on dirt road.
The entrance is right under the "Fishing" sign on that hill that is done in white rocks.

Only, don't go on the property. Once the field was closed they bulldozed and removed everything! Not to mention there are tresspassing signs everywhere. I'd pay $ just to be able to walk the property again!

There was a great two story tower at the mouth of that big tunnel/outlet that goes through the dam to the lake (Corona Lake). If the owner would let go of her stereotyping of paintballing that could once again be a premier paintballing site in So. Cal. Especially if the rumors turn out to be true about the Jungle getting bought out by a developer in the next 3-5 years.

:tup:Glad to see some more old school guys out there!:tup: :cool:

pickle

12-13-2002, 11:50 PM

No matter how many times I try to edit the previous post, it comes back all jacked up. Sorry.

toad526

12-14-2002, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by doubletap
I can't believe it that some of the old school guys are still around playing, yeah War Zone and Lion's Den were both the best fields around until all this speed ball came into play. I played at the Den quite a few times and I think I remember some the players your guys were talking about. I especially remember the player with the Mickey Mouse Ears. He was bad ***!! I think he was probably the best paintball player I ever saw with a pump gun. He was quick, agile and fast like a mofo....neway enuf about him. I could not make the 24 hour game at Jungle Island but I play there quite often. I think I remember seeing the Renegades play there a few times. Are they the ones with the black jerseys that are from other type of sport, because from what I remember they were not your typical paintball jerseys. In fact, I think they I saw them play at the Old Fogey tourney at tombstone a couple of weeks back while I was there playing on the walk ons. Well glad to see some of you guys are around......

Hey double tap..that was me, mickey and one of our new "old" guys playing at the Splat Old Fogey tourny...we had our azzes handed to us...but it was fun...yeah, we have the hockey jerseys with the flames....wanted to be a lil bit different than what everyone else has....they are pretty durable and breath easy....we are usually at tombstone or jungle playing..we were playing at impact alot until they closed up recently...Mickey(Daniel) is 44 years old and still our quickest guy..go figure...he's usally our front guy for flag grabs....we played 3 tournys this last year..placed 2nd, 4th and then last in the last one...not bad for a bunch of rec ball playas from the old pump days..hehehe...(cept for the last tourney...it was wicked...but it also taught us some stuff....)

doubletap

12-27-2002, 07:04 PM

Toad,
I a foolio....hehehe. I saw your post out there and could not resist. Especially that rave about that mickey mofo is the best pump gun user ever. Besides, I am 43 not 44! I have another year before my triple bypass.

L8r
Daniel

toad526

12-27-2002, 11:40 PM

hehehe..I told Marci is was probably you, but I didn't recognize the name...hehehe..such a folio....

I was like "Daaaaaammmm!!!" someone remembered mickey..hehehehe

l8tr foool!

saint

12-31-2002, 05:24 PM

Never Played at warzone, However I did play at the Lions Den. It was the greatest field on earth, in my opinion. I used to play for Marine Team 1 (head hunters) but droped out do to a devorce. Have a great wife now who is helping me get back into the game. Saint.

toad526

12-31-2002, 05:56 PM

Hi Saint,

You should get in touch with Gunny (if you haven't already)...he owns Jungle and Adrenaline...I remember you guys practicing over at Lions Den...you had some good players come and go from your team....

luv the wifes that luv the players...my wife plays every once in awhile and has a ball!!!

t-

saint

12-31-2002, 06:11 PM

Thanks Toad, just shot him an email. Son of a gun, I did'nt even think about the addy for the email on jungle. How is the field at jungle? I have been thinking about trying it out. Saint

P.S. hey, since you live in pomona what's the word on impact zone? Is there another indoor one opening up? Thanks again.

toad526

12-31-2002, 06:20 PM

Hey Saint,

Jungle is better than it was when it first opened up....its fun to play since it has a little of everything...they built a tube field sort of like SC's in the back and have an open field that every once in awhile has a SupAir field put up....

They just had a massive "Scenario" game there a couple of weekends ago that brought alot of people out...Bud Orr and Tom Kaye played "Warlords" against each other...I'm not into the scenario scene that much, but some buds of mine that went said it was pretty good...

As for impact, a buddy of mine was managing the place before it closed up...they don't really know whats going to happen with it...my team played there alot and I played one of the few "leagues" they had there....it was busy on Wed nites for awhile with alot of Dynasty, ironmen,warped, platinum, legacy, etc, playing there..then it just sort of died off...I think most changes came with George from Impact not having much to do with it anymore, then PPC came in with these big plans that never materialized....it sucked...it had promise, just needed to do some more stuff with some teams, practice nights, changing the fields up, etc...

I'm hoping to see it open up again as I luved having a place close that i could jet to play a few hours and then go home..it was fun to do it on Friday nights after being stuck in traffic for a couple of hours...

t-

saint

12-31-2002, 06:34 PM

I can amagine what it would be like. I live in 29 Palms and to be honest there realy is no where to play around here. Impact was kinda cool because I would be off of work at 3 pm and could be there about 5 and get a couple of games in... at least I thought. Now it is just a dream, or is it? Does Jungle have night games on friday? If they do, my dream may become a reality. I liked the indoor thought as my wife though very supportive, is not into paintball like I am. At impact atleast she could sit and read like she loves to do while I play. Question about Jungle do they have restrooms or portapoddy's? And what about a club house where my wife could sit nice and warm, as she is a little thing. Saint

toad526

12-31-2002, 06:47 PM

Jungle plays night games on Friday and Saturdays...they are fun but you have to watch for the cheaters that play on since you can't see them getting hit in certain places on certain fields..they normally will play the city, the tanks or the pipes....

Portopotties, no restrooms

Really don't have a kick back place for your wife to relax...which sort of sucks...we all usually just set up outside under ezups and stuff...

t-

saint

12-31-2002, 07:00 PM

Thanks Bro. I hope to see you there some day. Saint

mojo cole

01-10-2003, 10:19 AM

here's a few names that play'd at WarZone; Mark, Brett, Art, Greg, team name Yuma Rattlers. I'm Bill the newest rattler(age 48), we still play stock class ball in socal. sounds like a reunion in the making? if you get a chance on Sunday-Jan.12,2003 they willbe playing in a tourny at Tombstone PB park. OSC-old school challange series. they would love to see some of the oldfriends i'm sure.

toad526

01-10-2003, 10:31 AM

Yuma Rattlers are a top notched Stock team....have watched them ball it up a few times over at Tombstone....

One thing I did that I'll always regrett is getting rid of my Carter Buzzard...Aaron was pissed!!!...I still have a sniper, but need to take it in to have the work done to make it "stock"...(It was a mini cocker conversion to sniper done by B&M)..

I've talked to some of the guys from LA Explosion, Blowfish and Team Yella and they keep telling me to get the guys together from my team to come play stock, since we played back in the old days....

have fun on Sunday...good luck at tourny!

mojo cole

01-11-2003, 10:01 AM

try paintballhero.com it's a site for pump players west coast. thanks for the complement -will pass it on to the others. i normally log on as Rattler48, just using my sons cuz he's on now.

pickle

06-17-2003, 01:32 PM

Anyone remember who this is?
http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/1/22312/p/359319_5013276667989350291_t.jpg

RenegadeLegion4

08-31-2003, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by -doubletap

I especially remember the player with the Mickey Mouse Ears. He was bad ***!! I think he was probably the best paintball player I ever saw with a pump gun. He was quick, agile and fast like a mofo....neway enuf about him.

Originally posted by pickle

I remember the guy with the Mickey Mouse ears. lol

Originally posted by -doubletap
Especially that rave about that mickey mofo is the best pump gun user ever. Besides, I am 43 not 44! I have another year before my triple bypass.

L8r
Daniel

Dirrty.... that's pretty sad!!! I never had the chance to play at Warzone. But have balled with the Legion for the past couple of years. Toady... and Mickey (Dirty) are some of the dopest ballers out here, and some of the best guys to hang with. If anyone ever wants to meet up with them and catch up on old times check out our team's website at:
RenegadeLegion (www.angelfire.com/rnb/renegade_legion) soon to be Renegadelegion.com

We usually have a calendar of practice times and tournaments, or you can always drop a line on for Dirty and Toad on our webboard.