Charleston will host its first American Cornhole tournament on Sept. 20-21, 2013, kicking off the American Cornhole’s Season IX Tour.
“The popularity of this sport is phenomenal,” said Charleston Convention and Business Bureau CEO, Alisa Bailey. “Charleston is becoming known as a competitive sports venue and bringing this event here certainly adds to that reputation.”
Cornhole is a game in which players take turns tossing one pound bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. Like many competitive sports, the game originated in backyards and has elevated to nationally organized tournaments and leagues. The American Cornhole Organization is the governing body to the sport of cornhole and has launched a national campaign aimed at running organized tournaments across the country.
The ACO West Virginia Cornhole Cup, which will be held at West Virginia Power Park, will have players competing from states as far away as Florida. Players will also be competing for World Ranking points and option money purses.
The ACO West Virginia Cornhole Cup I features a competition based on overall crew points earned. A Crew consists of four players accumulating points based on each player’s score in the Open Singles and each team’s score in the Open Doubles. The Crew with the lowest overall point total wins.
 “American Cornhole couldn’t be happier to have Charleston, W.Va., on board to start the ACO Tour for Season IX. The ACO West Virginia Cornhole Cup, in its inaugural year, promises to attract cornhole players and enthusiasts from Ohio, Virginia and other neighboring states. This event is open to players of all skill levels and should be huge,” states Frank Geers, president of American Cornhole, LLC.
Activities will also include live entertainment from some of Charleston’s best music groups as part of the Capital City Music Festival. From reggae to rock, a variety of bands will take the stage throughout the day. Performers include Beggars Clan, Fabulous Brothers Steele, Freak Tent Jr., Dinosaur Burps, Southpaw, Brandy Good, Time & Distance, Paul Menotiades and The McGees.
The fun begins September 20, 2013 from 4 – 10 p.m. with open play challenges and $5 luck of the draw tournaments. The main tournaments are scheduled for September 21, 2013 with registration from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. An entry fee of $20 allows players to compete in singles and doubles matches. Individuals must be certified ACO members to compete – membership is $20 for a full season.
More details and registration information can be found at www.americancornhole.com or www.charlestonwv.com.
