The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) is currently in the middle of Season 14 and is returning to the Foley Event Center for the “ACO Foley Major,” May 3 – 4.
Cornhole is no stranger to Foley. The ACO has held the Foley Major for four years, the first two outdoors on the Foley Sports Tourism (FST) Fields prior to the event center being built. Tournament Director, Frank Geers, said the participants are accustomed to playing indoors, and while it can be nice to play outside when the weather’s perfect, most top competitions are held inside.
Geers anticipates this year’s Foley major to attract participants from as many as ten states across the nation including Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri, and Tennessee. ACO players are willing to travel because placing well in certain competitions earn them a place on a larger stage.
“This is considered a Major and is a recognized ACO Points Earning Tournament that goes towards qualification for the World Championships in Las Vegas, July 1-6, 2019, at the Westgate Casino & Resort,” Geers explained.
While there is a dedicated number of traveling players, local residents can also get in on the action. Thanks to Foley Sports Tourism, first-time competitors interested in participating can become ACO members and get their membership fee waived. This will allow the competitors to test their skill by only paying to enter the competition. With $5 and $10 events going on throughout the weekend, there’s no better time to try cornhole. The Foley Major will offer senior, women’s, juniors, co-ed doubles, and blind draw divisions, so there’s something for everyone.
FST Building Maintenance Crew Leader, Jeff Ryan, said the staff always looks forward to cornhole events.
“Yes it’s a competition, but the atmosphere is far from intense,” Ryan said. “We love seeing the cornhole participants because when they travel and see each other throughout the year, they become family. When they come into our house, we get to be a part of that family. It’s a truly welcoming atmosphere.”
For more information on the ACO Foley Major or any FST events, visit our events page.
