Combat Sports
What is Hard Knocks?
Hard Knocks has the nation's first indoor combat simulation arenas open to the public and boasts Florida's largest and most advanced LAN gaming center. Our flagship location is near the University of Central Florida. Both NBC News and FOX News did stories on Hard Knocks; the newscasts can be viewed here.
What equipment do I need to participate?
The only equipment required at Hard Knocks is comfortable clothes, a pair of closed-toe shoes, and a membership card with an active time balance. Unlike paintball and Airsoft there are no costly equipment rentals, safety gear required or lengthy preparation time.
Is there any special training required?
The only training that Hard Knocks requires is that each of its combatants is briefed on our Rules of Engagement and Way of the Gun. Combatants can watch training videos online or view them at the facility in the Gaming Lounge.
Is it safe?
Hard Knocks is committed to providing a safe environment for its combatants. All weapons are eye-safe. The core technology used by Hard Knocks is infrared light. Infrared is on the safe side of the visible spectrum, using an infrared beam no stronger than a television remote. Regulators, our female combat referees, monitor each mission to ensure all Rules of Engagement are being followed and reinforce the proper operation of the weapons.
What are the age requirements for the combat arena?
Currently only a guideline:
Participants 9 - 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult. (one adult can take responsibility for multiple kids.) Hours: Open - 9 pm
Participants 14 - 16 years old, must be registered by an adult but can stay and play without adult supervision. Hours: Open - 11 pm
17 & Up: Any Hours
Private groups booking an event are not subject to the same age guidelines. Visit our Group Services page for more information.
Who can participate?
Anyone ages 9 and up may participate as long as they are properly attired and carry a membership card with an active time balance. Hard Knocks is not gender-specific, and boasts a 30% female demographic. Our wide variety of weapon models makes it simple to match a rifle with any frame.
How do I purchase?
Purchasing time may be done at our facility or through the Hard Knocks website. The most important thing to remember about your combat time purchase is that pay only for what you use. If you begin a mission with 60 minutes of combat time and you are killed in action after just 10 minutes, you still have 50 minutes to use for your next mission. Unlike other combat sports options, we don't think a combatant who survives 5 minutes should be charged the same rate as someone who gets to play 15 minutes. A day of combat at Hard Knocks is less expensive (and more enjoyable) than a day of paintball, Airsoft or laser tag.
How is Hard Knocks different from Laser Tag?
Laser tag games outfit all players with identical looking-gun models programmed to do different things. At Hard Knocks, each type of weapon has a different, but realistic look. Players are able to visually identify what weapon their opponent has and what type of threat is represented. The smoke, mazes, scoring systems and younger combatants associated with laser tag all take away from the authenticity of a simulated battle. In laser tag, players are immortal encouraging a reckless combat style and are driven to individual accomplishment. Hard Knocks combat utilizes only real-world scenarios aimed at accomplishing team objectives.
What are the differences between Hard Knocks and paintball or Airsoft?
The technology used by Hard Knocks. Weapons fire at a substantially greater range without risking the welts associated with projectile games like paintball and Airsoft. No matter how many referees a paintball field employs there is no way to keep a player who's been eliminated by paintball splatter from firing their paintball gun and unfairly playing in a game. Hard Knocks equipment has an integrated anti-cheat technology built in. Once a combatant is eliminated, only a Regulator can reactivate a combatant's equipment. Missions are much more sophisitcated, with multiple roles and objectives. Not all roles or strategies require shooting all the time. Working together, leadership and communication may be important parts of accomplishing an objective.
Can I come by myself, or do I need to come with a group?
You can do either one. Once Hard Knocks opens its doors, the green mission light is turned on and combatants are sorted into opposing forces. Much like a pick-up game, combat runs continuously and teams fluctuate in size depending on traffic. If you would like to come as a group, that is encouraged as well. Our Regulators will do their best to keep your team together as long as there is an equal distribution of talent. If you or your group is looking to do a private function or run exclusively in one of our combat arenas, we have many group packages available. Hard Knocks also hosts corporate team building, birthday parties, and bachelor parties, to name but a few. If you are interested in this type of event, please proceed to our Group Services area.
Gaming Lounge
What gaming platforms are available?
Hard Knocks' 4,500+ square foot Gaming Lounge provides gamers with a comfortable environment complete with free Wi-Fi access and access to all major gaming platforms, including PC, Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3.
How do I purchase time to game in your Gaming Lounge?
Much like combat time, gaming time is sold in one-hour increments and is connected to your membership account. Gaming time erodes only as you use it. PC gaming stations and all console stations featuring Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3 are priced at the same rate.
Can I bring in my own game?
Yes. Unlike other LAN centers, Hard Knocks will allow you to bring in your own title to play on our console stations. Standard gaming lounge rates will apply. Hard Knocks regrets that it cannot accommodate installation of personally owned PC titles.
Can I play mature rated games?
As long as you are 17 years of age or older, or have a parent or legal guardian give permission during the registration process, you may play mature titles.
What else do you offer in your Gaming Lounge?
Hard Knocks features multiple 1080p 42" LCD televisions and a 110" high-definition screen with connectivity to our console gaming platforms, movie database, and live feeds from combat arenas. Our customers can also watch all televised or Web-broadcasted UCF football games, Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-views, and the NFL's "Sunday Ticket". Other local gaming centers, such as Gigabits, Kinetix, and Beat-The-Box, cannot compete with the variety or volume that Hard Knocks delivers.
Does Hard Knocks host any leagues or tournaments?
Because of Hard Knocks' established relationships with GameStop, EA Games, iGames and other business partners, we are able to host Orlando's largest gaming tournaments and combat leagues.
Does Hard Knocks sponsor any gaming teams?
Hard Knocks is always looking for teams that have reached pinnacle status for sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship allows us to advance the Hard Knocks brand while contributing to the gaming community.
Does Hard Knocks sell refreshments?
Hard Knocks carries a wide assortment of Coca-Cola and Pepsi products. We also sell fuel for the marathon gaming and combat sessions, such as Monster and Bawls, featuring their newest beverage offering, g33k b33r.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, Hard Knocks offers Wi-Fi to our guests in our very comfortable gaming lounge.
Group Services
What types of groups typically book events at Hard Knocks?
There are no limitations. Just to name a few we've hosted several team building events, corporate events, birthday parties, bachelor parties, youth group outings, and fraternity and sorority socials, but are open to any organized group.
During what times do you book group events at your facility?
We generally book our groups during our non-peak times and before we open to the public. If you'd like to book your group after our open hours, we could also do that, but keep in mind we open to the public at 1 pm on the weekends and 4 pm weekdays so your group would be scheduled during our regular open hours. Please note that the evenings are considered peak times and may include an additional premium.
Do you offer a group discount? If so, what is the pricing?
Yes, we do offer group discounts. Your preferred date, time, duration of event, and choice of activity (Combat, LAN or both) are taken into consideration when determining your group pricing. Please visit Group Services for details on package pricing or to request a custom quote.Ê You may also contact our Group Services Department by calling 407-359-9091 ext. 108.
Is there a registration fee for group events?
Individual membership registration fees are waived for your group event. That means a $10 per person savings by booking in advance through our Group Services Department.
What does our group need to do in advance of our event?
There is no safety gear or equipment rental required. We ask only that you wear athletic footwear and review our two 4-minute instructional videos: "The Hard Knocks Rules of Engagement" and "The Way Of The Gun". We encourage guests to arrive 15 minutes prior to their event and ask that they complete the registration form in advance if possible.
What type of packages do you offer for group events?
Packages do vary however we are able to battle plan a custom experience for large groups and corporate team building events based on your needs and objectives. Our group pricing is tiered and based on the size of your party and which portions of the facility you wish to use.
Do you offer a private party room?
Yes! Hard Knocks offers our Private Party War Room for group use, and it can be included in your custom pricing. The War Room includes seating for up to 40 guests, two large conference tables, full kitchen amenities, and a 52" flat-screen TV. Images can be viewed here.
Is there a minimum number of people required to be considered a group?
We do have minimums that range from 8 + guests, depending on the package you select. Be sure to check the minimum requirements of your package.
Is a deposit required to hold my date?
A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking for all group events. Deposits vary depending on the package you select. Please check the website for the required deposit amount of your package. All deposits are applied to your remaining balance on the day of your event.
How far in advance should I book a group event?
It is necessary to book your event at least 48 hours in advance by calling our Group Services Department at 407-359-9091 ext. 108 or emailing groups@hardknocksorlando.com. Additionally, we require a non-refundable deposit to book your preferred date, deposits vary depending on the package you select so please check the website for more information.Ê Deposits are applied to your event balance and the balance is paid on the day of your event. We quote our prices per person however all groups must be paid as a group and not individually. Also, to help expedite the registration process we encourage all participants to fill out our registration form in advance if possible.Ê
Can we bring our own beverages or food into the facility?
Due to health code regulations, no outside food or drinks are allowed in our facility. The only exception we make is for a birthday cake.
Food can be catered through one of our affiliated vendors and varies depending on your selection. You may choose appetizers, pizzas, wings, sandwiches or entrees. Additional catering selections are available upon request. Also, we sell a wide selection of drinks, from bottled water to sodas to sport and energy drinks.
Is alcohol available?
A few of our catering providers can incorporate alcohol as part of their food and beverage packages. Some restrictions and limitations may apply, just let us know your needs when booking your event.
What are the missions and how can I learn more about them?
During our group events, your guests will execute missions that challenge them to defuse bombs, rescue hostages, protect VIPs, and take on various other military/law enforcement scenarios. You can find out more information about our missions here.
General Information
Is there a registration fee?
Hard Knocks current offers two Membership options to choose from! Defcon 4 is our introductory level membership, and has a one-time $10 registration cost. Defcon 3 members will enjoy discounts on both combat and gaming time, as well ass additional benefits for only $25 semi-annually. Customers visiting us for a group event are waived of their individual registration fees for the event. A more detailed description is available on our membership pricing page.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we do offer gift cards. You are able to purchase them in our facility or on the Web. Those that are purchased over the internet will be mailed out within 24 hours.
Do you have any other locations?
At the moment, Orlando is our only location, but with growing popularity we look to open more facilities in the near future!
How can I apply for a role?
Please send your resume and Hard Knocks application to jobs@hardknocksorlando.com.
I lost my HK membership card. What should I do?
You must have a Hard Knocks membership card with you when participating in combat sports or in the LAN center. If you lost or misplaced your card, please let us know immediately. That way we can lock your account and protect your time balance. You can replace your card at your next visit.
What forms of payment do you take?
Cash, Visa, MasterCard & American Express. Check processing is available for corporate clients.
Will you make a donation to a charity or sponsor my team?
Our strategy is to select two charities to focus on each fiscal year. For 2008, Hard Knocks will be directing all of our charitable resources to Child's Play and The Stars of Hope.
Do you have security cameras?
For our customers' safety, Hard Knocks is under 24-hour video and audio surveillance, both inside and outside our facility.
Will you be hosting an Airsoft event?
The core goal of our combat strategy is to eliminate any projectile from combat sports, our infrared equipment is essential to our brand. We do, however, have Florida's largest indoor field and receive an overwhelming amount of requests for an Airsoft event. While not totally out of the question, we have no plans for an Airsoft event at this time.
What are the operating hours for Hard Knocks?
Hard Knocks is open to the public during the hours noted below:
| Mon. - Thu. | 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
| Fri. | 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM |
| Sat. | 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM |
| Sun. | 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
It is important to note that Hard Knocks frequently extends its hours on regular and school holidays. The only exception to the aforementioned is Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, during which Hard Knocks is closed to the public.
Private and group events are not bound by Hard Knocks' public operating hours and have greater flexibility in scheduling through our Group Services contact.
How can I stay informed about tournaments, specials, and the latest happenings at Hard Knocks?
Hard Knocks uses a variety of methods to get our information into your hands. Please bookmark the following sites: www.hardknocksorlando.com, www.myspace.com/hardknocksorlando, and HK's Facebook. Hard Knocks also sends out a monthly newsletter, "The Wire", which keeps registered members up to date on current events and pricing discounts and special offers.
How much does it cost?
Purchasing time may be done at our facility or through the Hard Knocks website. The most important thing to remember about your combat time purchase is that you pay only for what you use. If you begin a mission with 60 minutes of combat time and you are killed in action after just 10 minutes, you still have 50 minutes to use for your next mission. Unlike other combat sports options, we don't think a combatant who survives 5 minutes should be charged the same rate as someone who gets to play 15 minutes. A day of combat at Hard Knocks is less expensive (and more enjoyable) than a day of paintball, Airsoft or laser tag.
Much like combat time, gaming time is sold in one-hour increments and is connected to your membership account. Gaming time erodes only as you use it. PC gaming stations, and all console stations featuring Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3 are priced at the same rate.
How do I get to Hard Knocks?
From UCF:
Head north on Alafaya Trail
Turn left on Econ River Place and continue 1/4 mile
Turn right onto Dot Com Court
Hard Knocks is on the right, Suite 1025
From Oviedo:
Head south on Alafaya Trail (434)
Continue past Chapman RD and Carrigan RD
Turn right on Econ River Place and continue 1/4 mile
Turn right onto Dot Com Court
Hard Knocks is on the right, Suite 1025
You can also obtain driving directions from your current location by utilizing MapQuest and this link.
How can I inquire about using the Hard Knocks facility for an event not typical of your service offerings?
Utilization of the Hard Knocks facility outside of what one considers normal would need to be directed to our general information e-mail address, at which point it will be redirected according to the nature of the request. All requests should be sent with a request for a written estimate. If you are looking for complimentary use of the Hard Knock facility, please include a brief summary of how your request will advance the Hard Knocks brand.
