CUMMING, Ga. — It’s that time again! Time to signup for Cornhole ATL, a 7-week league with the spring season starting next month. The game of cornhole is commonly associated with tailgates and backyard barbecues, but it’s become increasingly popular year-round in Atlanta, thanks to Jeff Brawand, the founder of Cornhole ATL.
“I grew up playing with my dad, and when I moved to Atlanta there was no cornhole here,” Brawand said. “I kind of missed it, so I started a cornhole league. I play kickball and thought… they can do kickball leagues. Why can't I do cornhole leagues?”
According to Brawand, the local league started in 2011 with less than 40 people, but participation has grown steadily through the years, with roughly 1,600 people taking part now. Although he admits there was a learning curve.
“I went out of town with my wife, and my buddy ran the league,” Brawand said. “He called me to say the SWAT team had raided cornhole. Guys in riot gear showed up because people called and said kids were throwing objects in the park. So we quickly realized maybe a public park was not the best place for this.”
The leagues are now set up in 18 different locations, mostly bars an breweries. In Cumming, Vickery Village plays host to the beanbag tossing game with an unusual history.
“Wikipedia says that [cornhole] dates back to the 1800s where they used to take pigs bladders and fill them with corn then throw them at a board with a hole in it,” Brawand said. “That’s what they say, but I think it's only been around for like 30 years.”
Anyone wanting to be part of the league needs to sign up online by March 11th. The cost is $50.
“That covers us bringing out all the equipment, the league t-shirts, the referee, all that kind of stuff. Then there's also beverage and food specials going on at Vickery Village the entire season long,” Brawand said.
Winners are eligible for a variety of prizes including a new smoker/grill, but the league does not play for cash prizes. Check out our video above to see why.
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