ALBEMARLE — One of the fastest-growing sports in the country now has another home within Stanly County.
Located at 124 West Main St. in downtown Albemarle, Armadillo Axe Throwing held a ribbon-cutting event on April 1 with the help of representatives from the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.
“We opened not just to build a business for our family but to build a business for the community of Albemarle and to bring something fun and exciting for Albemarle residents, Stanly County residents, and people outside of Stanly County, who can experience our wonderful downtown,” Armadillo co-owner Erin Blakley said at the event. “We appreciate you so much, and thank you for helping us grow and continue to grow.”
The family-owned and family-operated facility features six double-throwing lanes and has been growing ever since its soft opening last fall. In addition to the 12 total throwing targets, Armadillo has cornhole boards, darts, arcade machines, and other entertainment options; there is also an in-house bar with over 30 beers and wine choices.
Along with co-owners Andy Blakley, Earl Dedmon, DJ Zaleski, and Bryan Pope, Armadillo’s overseers are certified members of the World Axe Throwing League (WATL).
Standing alongside Albemarle City Council Member Chris Bramlett and Albemarle Main Street Director Joy Almond, Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael addressed the crowd celebrating both the grand opening event and the new business becoming an official member of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a beautiful day in downtown Albemarle, and we’re opening another business,” Michael said. “I want to say thank you to this family for what they’re doing here in this location. And I’m going to talk about the location — it’s the old kept McClellan’s building, and most kids will remember it because they could come in and buy candy and popcorn by the pound. It’s a very historic location, and we are glad to see this business open up here in this location.”
As far as pricing, Armadillo offers rates of $25 for an hour and 15 minutes as well as $40 for two hours and 15-minute rentals — both sessions include one-on-one coaching for 15 minutes.
The current business hours for Armadillo Axe Throwing are 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“They are close to many of our favorite chamber members — we’ve got Starnes Jewelry across the street and Glory Beans Coffee House right next door, so you will be able to find them,” said Sandy Selvy-Mullis, Stanly County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “We encourage you to come out because they have a lot of great things going on and all kinds of entertainment.”
Throwing lanes and customized event planning can both be reserved at www.armadilloaxethrowing.com.