Throwing Real Axes Will Bring New Fun to Albion

Written by John Face

February 13, 2024

Photos by John Face

Axe Throwing Coming to Town

There was one thing for sure when I walked through the doors, it looked like I was going to have some fun. I had just stepped inside of Viking Warrior Axe Throwing Company. They are located at 100 East Erie Street in Albion, MI, on the southeast corner of Superior and Erie, the old Ice Cream Parlor across from the street from Foundry Bakery.

Owners Tommy Fagan, Steve Sinden, and Steves’s wife, Breann, greeted me. After pleasantries, we get busy talking. My first question was, is this their first Axe throwing location? They both answered yes, and they are looking forward to opening. Tommy said after I asked why Albion, “Choosing Albion was easy. They have the college here, the city, and people in the town are trying to fix things up. There isn’t much to do. You have the Bohm, the bowling alley, the gaming place across the street; this would give people something new to do”.

I told them I knew little about Axe throwing except that these venues were opening all over. Tommy said there is one in Jackson, but beyond that, there is nothing close to where they live. Tommy lives outside of Albion, and Steve and Breann live in Concord. Tommy had the idea of doing this and talked to the Sindens, and as he said, “They were crazy enough to say yes.” Steve said finding a location was made easier with the great help of Joe Verbeke of Ace Investment. (Click on picture for Link to their website) They wanted to be downtown Albion and this was the perfect location for them.

Sport for All Ages

There are a few sanctioning bodies for this type of sport, but they plan on hosting in-house leagues and offering open throwing for now, which includes a college night. Customers will be able to go online and reserve a lane.

League play is simple; there are ten frames per game, six people per lane max, and games can last up to 2 hours. They have a wide variety of games to choose from. Reservations can be made for groups, etc. Click on the logo below for a link to their website, which gives detailed pricing information and their hours.

They showed me how they maintain the wooden surface into which the axes go. The “targets” are displayed on the wood via the camera and your scoreboard. They took time to explain the different games, and then Tommy asked if I wanted to try.

Well It Wasn’t Pretty at First

My first few attempts at Axe throwing were missed, with the Axe clanging to the floor. That happened because I didn’t listen carefully to the instructions I received from Tommy. But before I knew it my Axes were going where I was aiming, and I was hooked.

A Family Thing

On this night, Tommy invited Albion Department of Public Safety members and their families. Some showed up with spouses and children in tow. Before you knew it, lively games were played with cheers, laughter, and gentle ribbing at misses. I can tell the readers this was a blast and should be on your must-do list.

Opening Thursday

Again, click on the Logo link above and check this out. Stop by and play a game or two. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come basis, but online reservations guarantee a spot. They allow outside food and offer some refreshments for sale and free popcorn.