Clarksville Announces ACO Major CornholeTournament February 21-22

Symmes Township, Ohio -

The American Cornhole Organization is bringing the ACO Cornhole Pros to Clarksville TN and has opened the event to the public.

The ACO Clarksville Major cornhole tournament is February 21-22 at the Dunn Center, 510 Drane Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. A Big Blind Draw is scheduled for Friday February 21 at 6:00 pm and is open to the public. The Clarksville Community can test back yard cornhole skills with others having the same skills in a Pro Cornhole level environment.

“We are thrilled to include Clarksville as one of the over 40 cities in the ACO Season 20 PRO Tour” said Frank Geers President of American Cornhole LLC. The ACO Clarksville Major includes events on Friday February 21 including Seniors, Womens, and Juniors competition in the morning, coed at noon, Bag Masters Quads at 3:00 pm, and the open to the public Big Blind Draw at 6:00 pm.

The ACO Clarksville Major Tournament Event schedule for Saturday includes ACO World Doubles action beginning 8:00 am, and the ACO World Singles action is an afternoon event beginning 2:00 pm. For more information visit ACO Clarksville Majors Cornhole Event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0DCg9siTFY&t=10s

Cornhole Chronicles: From Casual Play to Competitive Sport

Cornhole, once a simple backyard pastime, has evolved into a global sport over the past two decades. Its transformation began in 2004 when Frank Geers, a marketing visionary from Cincinnati, Ohio, recognized its potential at an NFL tailgate event. In 2005, Geers founded the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) to standardize equipment and rules, laying the groundwork for organized play nationwide.

Initially, cornhole bags were filled with corn kernels, which were prone to mold and attracted pests. The ACO addressed these issues by introducing resin pellet-filled bags, enhancing durability and consistency. They also developed two-sided bags to offer players greater control, contributing to a burgeoning industry of cornhole equipment.

The ACO expanded competitive play by introducing singles tournaments alongside traditional doubles matches. This led to the establishment of the ACO World Singles and World Doubles Championships, central to the national cornhole tour. Presently, the ACO hosts numerous regional and major tournaments across the U.S., with prize pools ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, culminating in the annual ACO World Championships.

Beyond competition, the ACO fosters community through inclusive events like the Worlds Tailgator Tournament for casual players and the ACO Lifetimers Tournament, which offers lifetime membership to those with an ACO tattoo. Approximately 160 players have demonstrated such commitment, with opportunities to attain Pro Status and participate in ACO Pro Series SKINS Cornhole tournaments, introducing innovative gameplay elements.

The ACO has also developed concepts like "frame games," and "airmail box," to refine skills and ensure accessibility for all skill levels. Their efforts have propelled cornhole into mainstream media, with features on ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, SportsCenter, and coverage in The Wall Street Journal. The organization maintains a robust online presence through YouTube, @AmericanCornhole, social media, and the podcast TACO (Talkin’ ACO), the longest-running cornhole podcast, further solidifying cornhole's cultural significance.

The ACO's influence extends to adaptive sports communities, senior games, and international partnerships in the UK, China, Canada, and Australia. In 2020, the Mayor of Columbia, SC, declared the final Saturday in July as ACO World Cornhole Day, highlighting the sport's growing prominence.

As the ACO celebrates its 20th season, cornhole's future appears promising, with ongoing innovations and a commitment to inclusivity. Frank Geers, known as the "Cornhole Dude," encapsulates this enthusiasm with the declaration: "We Are Cornhole!"