Nothing brings people together like a fun cornhole tournament. But to host an epic one, you need more than just boards – you need high-quality cornhole bags! This article will teach you everything about organizing a fantastic cornhole tournament, from picking those perfect bags to setting up brackets, food, decor, and more.
We’ll cover all the details you need to throw a top-notch cornhole event, from finding a great venue to promoting it. You’ll learn tips for smooth registration, crowd-pumping music, prizes, and all the essentials that take a tournament from good to great. So get ready to master coordinating the ultimate cornhole competition that keeps players and spectators cheering all day and night!
Table of Contents
1. Essential Equipment
- Cornhole Boards – You’ll need two boards placed 27 feet apart with holes at the top. The regulation size is 48″ x 24″.
- Cornhole Bags – Each team should have four bags in their color. Bags are filled with 16 oz of corn or plastic pellets.
- Score Tower – A raised score tower lets spectators follow along. Get creative and build your own!
- Lights – Clip string lights to boards or set up freestanding ones for night play. Creates ambiance!
2. Venue Setup
- Size – Ensure your yard or chosen venue has enough space for multiple boards with buffer zones.
- Surface – Boards should sit on a flat, level playing area. Grass or gravel works better than concrete.
- Weather Backup – Have a rain plan if outdoors! Get tents or move indoors if needed. Power – Easy access to outlets for lights, music, scoring displays, and more.
3. Tournament Format
- Number of Teams—Decide on the team size and total number of teams to set the bracket size. 2 vs. 2 is popular.
- Bracket Style – Single or double elimination? Round robin? Determine a format that fits time and players.
- Schedule – Allow enough time for each game and breaks in between. Share detailed schedules with players.
4. Rules and Regulations
- Scoring—The standard is 3 points for being in the hole and 1 for being on the board. We also agree on foul rules.
- Equipment Standards—Will bags, boards, and lights need to meet certain regulations? It is best to clarify upfront.
- Disputes – Appoint unbiased refs or a rules committee to resolve scoring issues or complaints.
5. Registration and Fees
- Signage – Create banners and signs to welcome players on tournament day.
- Check-In Area – Set up a designated registration zone for teams to sign in and pay fees.
- Waivers – Consider liability waivers to protect yourself in case of participant injury.
- Fees – Charge entry fees to cover costs if you wish. Be transparent about where funds go.
6. Prizes and Incentives
Trophies or medals for the winning team are classic. Gift cards to local shops or restaurants are always popular too. You could even award cornhole gear like custom bags, braces, or shirts.
7. Promotion
To get a great turnout for your cornhole tournament, you have to promote it! Start by creating fun event pages on social media centered around your awesome cornhole bags and prizes.
Email friends, family, co-workers, and anyone wanting to play or spectate. Post flyers at local gyms, bars, community centers, and anywhere with a bulletin board.
Conclusion
Planning an epic cornhole tournament takes some work, but it’s so worth it. Start by getting regulation boards and high-quality cornhole bags so players have pro-level gear. Scout out a roomy venue with space to spare and room to hang lights for night games.
Determine your tournament format, make clear rules, and spread the word. Add in music, food, sweet prizes, and an energetic emcee to keep spectators pumped. With the right preparation, your cornhole tournament will be a hole-in-one success!
