PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA – Feeling some existential angst at the state of the world? Having a hard time at work? Just feel the need to smash something?
There’s a new “Rage Room” in Pleasanton, California. And it gives you the chance to grab a baseball bat, put on some eye protection, and let your anger out in a safe (and fun!) setting.
iSmash Pleasanton, a national “rage room” and splatter-paint concept, has opened at the Rose Pavilion shopping center at 4275 Rosewood Drive.
What is a “rage room,” exactly?
The basic idea is simple: you book a time slot, suit up in protective gear, and then smash a curated set of items in a controlled room using tools like bats and crowbars.
iSmash says guests watch a short safety video first, and the company provides safety gear like face shields, gloves, and jumpsuits.
This Pleasanton outpost is being billed as iSmash’s first West Coast location.
And it is not just smashing: the Pleasanton location is also promoting splatter paint rooms (including blacklight-style “glow” splatter) and axe throwing as part of its lineup.
Basically, you can go into a room, grab some paint, and turn the whole space–and even your own body–into a big ‘ole Jackson Pollack.
Smash sessions start at $50 per person for an entry package. That apparently gives you 20 minutes to smash 20 items.
What are you smashing? Typically, glass and ceramic items, like plates and vases. Each package also includes one or more electronics, in case you want to express how you really feel about toasters or printers. Bigger packages include a car windshield.
You can also sign up for a package that lets you bring items from home. If you’d prefer to destroy your junk vs donating it, this is the way to go.
Up to 15 people can participate, but you can go solo if you want. It’s typically 18 and up, but younger kids can join with parental permission. Unsurprisingly, everyone has to sign a hefty waiver.
Closed-toe shoes are required, and iSmash recommends sturdy clothes.
iSmash is a franchise, but this one is owned locally by East Bay residents Michael Hardman and Herman Yang, who are members of the local Chamber of Commerce. So you can support a small business AND destroy things at the same time.
Check them out at https://ismashusa.com/activities/ca-pleasanton/ and save a vase for me!
