Champaign, IL – Cornhole, also known as bags, is no stranger to Champaign County, with boards abounding during home Fighting Illini Football Games. However, on November 11–12, you’ll find professional cornhole players competing for a $1,500 cash prize.
The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) will be hosting the ACO Champaign Major, one of twelve majors held around the country, at Titan Warehouse in Champaign. The tournament includes several events including Senior’s, Women’s and Junior’s Divisions, with the main events of World Singles and Doubles competing for cash prizes.
“This is our first opportunity to work with the Champaign community, and we cannot wait to enjoy the experience,” states Frank Geers of the ACO. Not only will this be the first tournament in Champaign, it will be the first Major tournament in the Midwest.
Visit Champaign County worked closely with the ACO to bring the event to Champaign County. After multiple site visits, the tournament will be held at Titan Warehouse at 101 E. Mercury Dr., Champaign and is sponsored locally by The Atkins Group and Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring a non-traditional sport to the community,” explains Ryan Reid, Sales Manager for Visit Champaign County. “Our traditional sports such as soccer and baseball are already thriving in this community, so we are looking for ways to bring in something different. The ACO was looking for a vibrant, yet accessible area, and Champaign County was the ideal fit.”
Organizers anticipated 100–150 competitors over the course of the weekend, generating over $170,000 in economic impact for the community.
The tournament, open to spectators from the public for free, will have competitions beginning at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11 and at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12. To learn more about the tournament, visit americancornhole.com/seasonxii-major5/.
About American Cornhole, LLC
The American Cornhole, LLC was established in 2005 and headquartered in Milford, Ohio. American Cornhole Organization (ACO) is the governing body for the sport of cornhole, offering official cornhole rules, certified products, tournament listings, comprehensive information about cornhole events, and an ACO Certified Official Program that brings awareness of the sport. For more information on the ACO, visit www.americancornhole.com.
About Visit Champaign County
Visit Champaign County, the local destination management organization, aided organizers in bringing the event to the area and will provide support in helping coordinate media and providing community resources to the competitors. Visit Champaign County’s mission is market Champaign County and a diverse set of events, in collaboration with community stakeholders, to attract and serve visitors, and to positively impact the local economy and quality of life.