Symmes Township, Ohio -

The American Cornhole Organization is bringing the ACO Cornhole Pros to Upland CA and has opened the event to the public. April 11-12

The ACO SoFive Major cornhole tournament is April 11-12 at the SoFive Upland, 1721 W 111th St, Upland, CA 91786.

A Big Blind Draw is scheduled for Friday April 11 at 6:00 pm and is open to the public. The Upland Community can test back yard cornhole skills with others having the same skills in a Pro Cornhole level environment.

“We are thrilled to include SoFive | Upland as one of the over 40 cities in the ACO Season 20 PRO Tour,” said Frank Geers President of American Cornhole LLC.

The ACO SoFive | Upland Major includes events on Friday April 11 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 Upland Major Tournament Event schedule for Saturday April 12 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 SoFive | Upland Majors Cornhole Event

Cornhole's Journey: From Tailgates to Global Championships Cornhole

Cornhole a game often played at tailgate parties and family gatherings, has evolved into a global sport. While its origins remain speculative, the game’s transformation into a recognized sport began in 2004, when Frank Geers, a marketing expert from Cincinnati, Ohio, spotted it at an NFL tailgate zone. Seeing its potential, Geers began to craft a plan to take the game mainstream. His efforts culminated in the founding of the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) in 2005, which set the stage for cornhole’s rise.

The ACO standardized cornhole equipment, rules, and gameplay, establishing itself as the sport's governing body. Over the years, the ACO has grown into a powerhouse, celebrating its 20th season with cornhole tournaments in the U.S. and Europe. The organization continues to innovate, enhancing the game and player experience by introducing new twists, improved equipment, and larger prize pools.

Initially, cornhole bags were filled with corn kernels, but the ACO replaced this with resin pellets to prevent mold, breakdown, and animal interference. They also introduced two-sided bags, adding a new level of strategy. These innovations fueled a multi-million-dollar industry centered on cornhole equipment, from bags to boards. The ACO also set standards for durable, competition-grade boards, allowing for uniform court dimensions and clear, consistent gameplay rules followed by players worldwide.

As cornhole grew, so did its competitive structure. The ACO pioneered singles play, which had previously been dominated by doubles teams, and introduced the ACO World Singles and ACO World Doubles Championships. These events became the foundation of the ACO’s nationwide tour, which now includes thousands of regional tournaments and over 40 major tournaments across the U.S., offering prize purses up to $100,000 each weekend. All roads lead to the ACO World Championships, where players of all levels compete for the coveted title of "King" or "Queen" of Cornhole.

The ACO also created fun events for casual players, like the ACO World Tailgator Championship – for backyard cornhole players, and unique competitions such as the Lifetimers Tournament, which rewards players with an ACO tattoo with lifetime membership. In addition, the ACO Pro Series SKINS tournaments offer a twist on traditional gameplay and an opportunity for top ACO players to earn Pro Status and larger prize purses.

Beyond the courts, the ACO has made cornhole a media sensation, appearing on ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, SportsCenter, and in The Wall Street Journal. It also contributed to Cornhole: The Movie in 2010 with sanctioned equipment and a cameo from Frank Geers, the Cornhole Dude, and continues to engage fans through its YouTube channel, podcast, and social media. In 2020, the City of Columbia, SC declared the final Saturday in July as ACO World Cornhole Day to celebrate the sport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0DCg9siTFY

With partnerships expanding internationally and a growing presence in adaptive sports, the ACO’s influence is only set to grow. As the "Cornhole Dude" Frank Geers says, “We are Cornhole.”

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