A Thrilling Ride Through the Zombie Apocalypse
Zombie Paintball at NOLA Motorsports Park is located in Avondale, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. This seasonal Halloween attraction transforms the motorsports facility into an interactive zombie hunting ground each fall. The experience puts guests aboard a "battle bus" equipped with mounted paintball guns. As the bus rolls through a series of themed target stations, riders take aim at live actors portraying zombies. The ride lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes and includes a chance to reload and go back through the stations for a second pass. Zombies do not shoot back — only guests fire paintballs, making it a safe but exhilarating activity for all ages.
What Makes the Arena Unique
Rather than a traditional paintball field with bunkers and obstacles, this attraction is a mobile, bus-based shooting gallery. The arena is a custom-designed course set up on the grounds of NOLA Motorsports Park, featuring multiple zombie-infested scenes and target stations. The experience is enhanced by theatrical lighting, fog effects, and professional zombie actors from a partnership with New Orleans Nightmare and Mardi Gras Productions. The 2024 and 2025 seasons introduced an expanded festival area with additional Halloween-themed activities, making the event more than just a ride — it is a full evening of spooky entertainment.
Beyond the Bus: Extra Thrills and Entertainment
The Zombie Paintball experience is part of a larger event that includes a variety of additional attractions. Guests can enjoy go-karting on the park's professional track, an 18-hole mini-golf course at Throttle & Swing, an arcade, axe throwing, and live music. Food trucks, local craft vendors, pumpkin carving stations, and face painting add to the festival atmosphere. Drink specials are available for adults on select nights. For those seeking an extra dose of fear, the park hosts a special "Zombie Paintball Extreme Fright Night" — an exclusive one-night-only event with dimmed lights and cranked-up intensity. This event is strongly discouraged for guests aged 18 and under.
Perfect for Groups and Celebrations
The venue is well-suited for a wide range of group outings, including birthday parties, corporate events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, team-building gatherings, and family celebrations. Private bus packages are available for groups of up to 28 people, offering skip-the-line access, rental guns with a full hopper of ammo each, and commemorative bandanas or a free drink per rider. The park also offers group discounts for karting and mini-golf, making it easy to build a full evening of activities around the zombie hunt. The event is family-friendly and welcomes all ages, though children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the ride.
The Crew Behind the Chaos
The event is operated by the experienced team at NOLA Motorsports Park, a premier racing and entertainment facility in the region. The park's general manager and staff work closely with New Orleans Nightmare and Mardi Gras Productions to create an immersive, high-quality Halloween experience. Zombie actors are hired locally to bring the apocalypse to life, and the park's management emphasizes safety, organization, and guest satisfaction. The team has invested in upgrades to the facility in recent years, including new karts, improved grounds, and enhanced operating systems, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for all guests.
A Full Evening of Fun Under One Roof
While there is no dedicated banquet hall within the zombie paintball area itself, the park's Throttle & Swing facility serves as a central hub for pre- and post-ride activities. It features a craft pizza kitchen, a full bar with drink specials, an arcade, and the mini-golf course. The rooftop dining area offers a place to relax and refuel between activities. Gates open at 6:00 PM each event night, and the experience runs until all ticketed guests have completed the ride. The park recommends purchasing tickets online in advance, as prices increase at the gate and availability is limited each night.