Off Field
The reigning largest event in scenario paintball, Invasion of Normandy( IoN) returned Skirmish Paintball July 10-12, and proved that, even after two decades, the community continues to grow and the evolution and improvement never stops.
IoN weekend starts for most players as they leave the registration area and are immediately greeted by a massive vendor row- a virtual shopping mall of paintball gear. Major paintball manufacturers on site included CRBN, HK Army, Inception Designs, ExFog, Gatormaille, and JT and Empire Paintball in the G. I. Sportz tent. JT even launched a custom event jersey in partnership with Real Tree special for this event. Tactical apparel, surplus suppliers, and accessory vendors included OCD, Elev-8, Quickshot, Dyzana, Dirty Dan Paintball, and nearly twenty others with wares ranging from custom glass to now-antique paintball gear.
At the top of vendor row, players were greeted by Kenny Stewart and the Paintball Museum where they were introduced to legends of the game, and an opportunity to learn about the history of the sport. And at the other end of the row, they could even take a moment to relax with Breeze Massage Therapy if they wanted.
The mall literally offered something for everyone as they prepared for the three-day fight.
Off Field
Known for its festival vibe, IoN 2026 did not disappoint. The free camping extended, as every year, across the property and down Meckesville Road to the highway. Camping was dramatically influenced by the weather this year. Regulars are accustomed to rain. It’ s part of the experience. But this year was exceptional. Torrential rains poured down during the peak of vendor arrivals on Wednesday, and player arrivals on Thursday and Friday. Consequently, car tires tore up the roads and the aberrant mud became ankle deep in some places.
066 paintball. media magazine