Grand Opening day today at 423 Raging Axes, WLAF biz of week

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Looking for something fun to do? Head down to the newly opened 423 Raging Axes. Located at 501 West Central Avenue in LaFollette, the gaming venue holds its grand opening and ribbon cutting April 1 at 4:30 p.m. With ax throwing,  pool tables, darts and arcade games, there’s plenty for the whole family to do. 

423 Raging Axes is owned by Campbell County native Dale Baker, who said he wanted to open an entertainment venue to provide people with something fun to do here locally in LaFollette.

“I have spent the last 18 years watching my kids and others drive to Knoxville to do stuff. Growing up here we at least had the movies and arcade games in Woodson’s Mall, but now there’s nothing to do, and I’m hoping to change that,” Baker said.  

He said he was tired of seeing empty buildings and felt the area “had so much potential.”

He said he wanted it to be a place where everyone felt welcome. A military veteran himself, Baker has dedicated a wall to honor local vets and first responders. The wall will feature pictures of local vets and first responders in uniform.  Baker and his grandad are military vets while his dad is in law enforcement, which is why he wanted to do something to honor the “local heroes that keep us safe.” According to Baker, if you are a veteran or a first responder and bring a photo in uniform to hang on the wall, you will get a free ax throwing session. 

Another wall is dedicated to CCHS seniors to sign as well.

“I want it to be something fun for the kids to do locally, I want them to feel like it’s their place to hang out,” Baker said. 

The entertainment venue will also have drinks, chips, Hawaiian Ice and iced coffee. Papa John’s Pizza will be available on Fridays and Saturdays as well.

Baker is in the process of setting up a cornhole gaming area outside and will also have the “rage room” open downstairs by May or sooner. There is also a gaming room available to meet and play board games. 

Private rentals of the entire facility are available for things like bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, divorced parties, birthdays, team bonding, and more. Reservations are open so call or come by today.

The venue is open to all ages, but kids under 18 must have a parent or guardian present for ax throwing.

There will also be an upcoming Ax throwing tournament on April 7 from 7 to 8 p.m., with warm-ups starting at 6:30. There’s a $40 entry fee and the winner takes half. 

423 Raging Axes is located at 501 West Central Avenue in LaFollette across from Riggs Drug. You can also check them out on Facebook for upcoming events and tournaments. Business hours are Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays is 4 p.m. to midnight and noon to midnight on Saturdays. For more information or to make reservations for private parties, call 423.494.2086. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/01/2022-6AM)