ROCK HILL, S.C. — Rock Hill is about to become the center of the cornhole world again this week as the American Cornhole League championships return with the lights, cameras, and coverage from ESPN.
The championship, which is back in town for the fourth consecutive year, runs from Saturday, July 29 through Sunday, August 6. A news release from the City of Rock Hill's Parks, Recreation & Tourism department shares it's a chance for local fans to enjoy watching the game and be part of the coverage. The coverage also aligns well with recent moves by the league; the department said in 2021, the ACL moved its headquarters and manufacturing site to Rock Hill, while also establishing permanent courts for recreation and social activity.
"Back in 2015 our commissioner had the idea, 'well, I love tailgating and I love cornhole,'" said ACL Chief Marketing Officer Trey Ryder. Continuting to paraphrase, he said "'l see all of these people playing at this high level. Why don’t I try to professionalize the sport?' It just built from there. It's giving an outlet to players who love the game."
The championship promises more than $700,000 in payouts and 30 events according to the department. Many events will air on ESPN or on the CBS Sports Network.
The ACL world championship brings in about 2,000 players to compete. Officials said all 50 states and three different countries are represented.
"I played it just in the backyard when my kids were small. Just for fun and then a couple of years ago I decided to take it more seriously," said Connie Altice, who went pro a few years ago.
Altice, who came in second place in women's singles in 2022, said it's about more than just tossing a bean bag through a hole in a board.
"The more you do it the better you get," she said. "It's about being consistent. Play smart, and there is some defense in the game."
Ultimately, it's a sport bringing people of all different backgrounds and skill levels together.
"What's cool about our pro-division is all of the different personalities and demographics. I just saw a top 10 player in the world get a win and he is 14 years old and our oldest pro is 70,” said Ryder. “Our slogan is anyone can play and anyone can win and we kind of live by that."
From fans to players, city officials said they expect up to 15,000 people to come out to the festivities over the course of the competition. It's a boost to the local economy.
"It’s a 9-day event, so we are looking at estimating $3-4 million -- that is people spending, lodging, spending on food while they are here, convenience stores and gas," said Laurie Helms with the city of Rock Hill.
Some events during the championship will require tickets. Click here for more information.
Part of the ESPN coverage during the week includes ESPN8: The Ocho, which returns to Rock Hill for the second year in a row on Friday, August 4. The department said The Ocho will offer 17 hours of unique sports events on ESPN2, all happening at Manchester Meadows and the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. The top-level events for 11 sports are set to be featured that day and open to the public, except for the SuperHole IV Championship.
Additionally, fans can enjoy a Fan Fest experience at Manchester Meadows with food vendors, music, kid's activities, and an adult Big Wheels course. Ocho events at Manchester Meadows are free to attend.
The following events will be part of The Ocho coverage on August 4. Events listed with SEC are happening at the Sports & Events Center, while events with MM listed are happening at Manchester Meadows:
- 9 AM - Extreme Axe & Knife Games at the Sports & Event Center (SEC)
- 10 AM - Omegaball Women's Invitational at Manchester Meadows (MM)
- 11 AM - 2023 BullShooter Invitational Shootout (SEC)
- Noon - Omegaball Men's Invitational at Manchester Meadows (MM)
- 1 PM - Professional Cuesports League (SEC)
- 2 PM - TurfWars Invitational: Adult Kickball Championship (MM)
- 3 PM - The Ocho Show (SEC)
- 4 PM - 2023 NWLA Wiffleball All-Stars (MM)
- 5 PM - Major League Table Tennis (SEC)
- 6 PM - 2023 Slippery Stairs (MM)
- 7 PM - Johnsonville SuperHole IV Championship (SEC)
- 8 PM - Johnsonville SuperHole IV Championship (SEC) continues
- 10 PM - Pillow Fight Championship (SEC)
Visit York County is partnering with the department for visitor services throughout the week