Cornhole Classic returns to First Avenue
(Daily Bee file photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Len Hiatt, left, and Ryan Huffey compete the finals of the inaugural Cornhole Classic Tournament in 2018. This year’s tournament again comes to historic First Avenue in downtown Sandpoint with a full slate of action on Sept. 14.
(Daily Bee file photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER)Ryan Huffey, left, and Len Hiatt compete the finals of the inaugural Cornhole Classic Tournament in 2018. This year's tournament again comes to historic First Avenue in downtown Sandpoint with a full slate of action on Sept. 14.
SANDPOINT — The second annual Sandpoint Cornhole Classic is tossing Saturday, Sept 14 on historic First Avenue in downtown Sandpoint.
Last year’s tournament had more than 100 competitors. This year, the prize pool has climbed to more than $10,000 in cash and prizes to payout three divisions: advanced/professional, competitive or social singles and doubles, formats. They are anticipating 200 participants and more than 1,000 spectators. There’s still time register, get your team or yourself ready for the tournament.
“One of the most special things about this tournament is the city allowing us to shut down First Avenue from Main Street to Church and have a block party,” said James Mize, tournament director. “Come down, have a blast with us even if it’s just to watch.”
The Sandpoint Cornhole Classic is an American Cornhole League Mountain North Conference tournament, meaning the event is open to the 11 western states, players from seven of those states have already committing to participate. The singles tournament will take place in the morning and doubles in the afternoon. Plus, all skill levels are invited to participate in one of the three divisions being offered: social, competitive and advanced.
A social player is one who enjoys playing casually and wants to have some fun learning more about the game of cornhole. The competitive division is intended for players who wish to challenge themselves but may lack consistency. The advanced division is for players who wish to compete at the highest level with players who may even be professionals.
“We have people flying in from Seattle, Arizona, California, with more than 10 pros attending” said Mize. “We’re really excited for the second year, a larger turnout, larger prize pool and more new faces in all skill levels.”
You may have seen cornhole on ESPN and this tournament will be streamed online with the ACL Digital Network, thanks to sponsor and partner Northland Cable. Other major sponsors include: Mountain West Bank, Realm Partners, Washington Trust Bank, Paradise Construction, Lakeshore Realty, Pawn Now.
There’s a Friday night social and kick-off at MickDuff’s Beer Hall starting at 5 p.m.
The format for players will be a crew cup competition and you must register prior to Thursday, Sept. 12, online. However, everyone is welcome to attend, meet the players and have a great time.
To register for the tournament and to learn more about the Sandpoint Cornhole Classic, go online to sandpointcornhole.square.siteor Facebook.com/SandpointCornhole.
To learn more about cornhole and the ACL in general, go online to iplaycornhole.com.