FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
As a novel and unique activity we appreciate there are a lot of questions to be asked!
See the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Do I have to pre-book?
Ideally, yes! All bookings should be made via the website booking system at least 3 hours in advance. If you’d like to book within the next 3 hours, give us a call on 0808 164 1010 and we’ll try and fit you in.
You can arrive without a booking and we may have availability – but it’s best not to run the risk.
Is there an age limit?
You need to be at least 8 years old to have balls pitched at you in the batting cage. You are welcome to bring younger children but please be aware they will need to bat off a tee.
All children under the age of 17 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes there is pay and display parking along East Street itself and also a Eastgate Multistorey Car Park is large car park directly opposite the venue (and the best value for money).
Is there a minimum/maximum group size?
Yes there is a minimum group size of 2 people. For a 1 hour session maximum group size is 8. For a 2 hour session maximum group size is 12. For groups larger than 12 you can book a premium session or contact us for a bespoke event.
What are your cancellation conditions?
In the unfortunate circumstance that you need to amend/cancel a booking we offer a flexible policy of:
– Full refund for amendments/cancellations with more than 24 hours notice
– Credit/re-arranged session for more than 3 hours notice.
What happens if I am late?
Unfortunately as we run our bookings back-to-back we cannot delay or extend sessions for late parties unless there is no booking after yours. If you are late then you will likely lose that time in the cage. So make sure to arrive nice and early and plan your travel in advance!
How early do we have to arrive before our session?
Please ensure all participants arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your session start time. This is so you can receive the pre-session safety briefing. If you do not arrive early enough then the briefing will eat into your cage time (safety briefing is mandatory).
You are more than welcome to arrive even earlier to enjoy our other games, but we would recommend no longer than 30 minutes prior to the session.
How many balls to you get to hit?
Our pitching machine can pitch a ball roughly every 10 seconds. So if you ran it constantly then thats about 360 balls in an hour. If you hit sets of 10 and have a 30 second break after each set, then in an hour a group can expect on average 280 balls. So depending on how many people in your group then this will dictate how many balls you get to hit each. It’s all very casual and so you can use the time however you want (some people hitting more than others if required).
We limit the numbers per hour as groups larger than this would result in not many balls per person and wait times that are too long.
Is there any last minute availability / Can I book for today or this evening?
For last minute availability please call 0808 164 1010 and we’ll do our best.
Can I bring my own bat?
No, you are not permitted to bring your own baseball bat however you are allowed to bring any other accessories such as protective clothing, helmets and gloves.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Unfortunately we do not allow any external food or drink on-site. This is in order to comply with premises license conditions and hygiene reasons. The only exception to this is birthday cakes which can be brought into the venue.
We sell hot-dogs, pizzas and other snacks in-venue.
I’ve never done anything baseball related/I don’t know the rules of baseball, does this matter?
We welcome players of any ability or experience level. Even if you’ve never even picked up a baseball bat we can guide you through the basics and you’ll be hitting home runs in no-time! At the start of each session there is a short briefing, there are simple ‘How to’ guides available and also our friendly staff are always happy to give advice if requested.
If I am injured/pregnant/have a pre-existing medical condition can I participate?
If you are injured/heavily pregnant/have a pre-existing medical condition we do not recommend you participate however it is up to you to assess the risk. We are not physicians and hence we cannot tell you if participating may exacerbate an existing injury. If you are in any doubt about your physical ability in relation to participating then we advise you not to take part.
Do I need to wear anything in particular?
If you are taking it super seriously then feel free to turn up in full sports gear. However in reality as long as the clothing you are wearing doesn’t restrict your movement then it should be fine.
What payment methods do you accept on-site?
We are a cash-less venue and so do not take cash on-site. All drinks and snacks should be paid for using credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex).
Is the venue suitable for wheelchair access?
Whilst our venue is accessible, unfortunately due to the building age and layout, it does not have a toilet on the ground floor nor a lift to the 1st floor. For more information or any other queries about accessibility please email [email protected]
Are dogs allowed in the venue?
Yes, dogs are allowed, as long as they can handle a bit of noise without getting jumpy, and as long as they are well-trained and friendly with adults & children.
Does 1st Base cater for stag dos or hen parties?
YES! Absolutely, 1st Base has stag do and hen party packages available, including exclusive venue access, inclusive drinks, hot food (pizzas & hot dogs), plus snacks. The packages give full access to all of the bar’s competitive sporting activities. We are very relaxed with regards silly stag and hen antics – and our shots and cocktails deals are always a big hit!
Does 1st Base cater for corporate events, teambuilding, or work parties?
YES! Absolutely, 1st Base has corporate and teambuilding packages available, including exclusive venue access for up to 40 people, inclusive drinks, hot food (pizzas & hot dogs), plus snacks. The packages give full access to all of the bar’s sporting activities. We are a hit with businesses, as the experience combines socialising with healthy competiton.
Does 1st Base cater for kids parties?
YES! Absolutely, 1st Base has children’s party packages available, including exclusive venue access, inclusive drinks, hot food (pizzas & hot dogs), plus snacks. The packages give full access to all of the venue’s sporting activities. We are a hit with mums and dads, as the experience combines lots of fun with a bit of healthy competiton, whilst keeping everybody in one place, fed and watered.
Does 1st Base have any other games available, or just baseball?
Absolutely! 1st Base is not just a batting cage – we are a sports games bar which happens to have a high-tech interactive batting cage as our main attraction. Combine with that shuffleboard, basketball, ping-pong and foosball, and you
Won't people get bored of the batting cage? Especially large groups.
Absolutely NOT! 🙂 We have ran thousands of sessions at 1st Base, and many dozens if not over a hundred parties – so we know from experience that people do not potter around bored. 1st Base is a thrilling activity bar with multiple games – so when you’re not swinging for the fences, you can play shuffleboard, ping-pong, basketball or foosball.
Even if you don’t fancy the many sporting games on offer at 1st Base, you can have fun. We have a free jukebox running the venue’s sound system, so parties set their own vibe – so you may well find some people, cocktail in hand, having a boogie.
Please check out our wonderful Google and TripAdvisor reviews to see over 500 people confirming that 1st Base is anything but boring.
Does 1st Base cater for school groups?
Yes, 1st Base absolutely caters for school groups.
We have experience running sessions for children for sessions ranging from children’s parties, to end of exam celebrations, to experienced tailored to special-needs groups, including children with autism & ADHD.
Please get in touch with us to discuss bringing your school group in for a special session.
Does 1st Base run student society parties?
1st Base offers the students of Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton the unique opportunity to take over the entire bar on Wednesday or Thursday nights.
For just £5 entry, up to 40 society members can have the run of the bar and all of its games – with competitions and giveaways – plus 30% off drinks and great deals on cocktails & shots.
1st Base is one of the city’s favourite destinations for large student groups – get in touch to book your society in!
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