Cornhole has come a long way. Once just a popular backyard pastime has evolved into a pre-game ritual and now a fast-growing competitive sport with national tours, serious athletes, and massive community followings.
This shift has led to the emergence of organizations such as the American Cornhole Association (ACO) and the American Cornhole League (ACL). With a tagline of “anyone can play, anyone can win,” it’s true– This incredibly inclusive sport is open to anyone with enough persistence, energy, and drive.
But where does all this exciting action take place? Through collaborations with these prominent organizations, SFC-managed facilities not only support the sport’s growth but also bring communities together. Below, we take a closer look at several standout events hosted by these facilities and their impact on the cornhole world.
ACL Final Chase at Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, Illinois
In 2022, this sprawling Chicagoland complex hosted the ACL Final Chase, part of the ACL PRO Johnsonville Cornhole Championships, and the last Pro National before the 2022 ACL World Championships. More than 250 competitive cornhole players were in attendance to secure their spot in the finals, and fans could stream the live broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ACL Cornhole TV.
Choosing central Illinois for the organization’s biggest event of the year was a strategic move– Wintrust Sports Complex offers eight hardwood basketball courts, which is the preferred atmosphere for cornhole competitions.
The complex also hosted an ACL Points Event, which included National, Open, Singles, BYOP (Bring Your Own Partner), and Stack divisions.
ACL Competition at Legends Event Center, Bryan, Texas
Another shining example of SFC’s commitment to supporting elite cornhole events is Bryan’s Legends Event Center in Texas. In 2024, the venue hosted an American Cornhole League tournament that attracted hundreds of regional players. This ACL-certified event wasn’t just for the pros. The event had a diverse turnout, with newcomers, rising stars, and veteran players battling it out side-by-side. The tournament didn’t just energize players; it also created a buzz throughout the local area—hotels filled up, restaurants stayed busy, thanks to a serious boost from over 400 players. These players came from nearly a dozen states to spend a three-day weekend in the heart of the Brazos Valley.
The vibe was pure excitement. Imagine cheering fans and intense matches, all within one of America’s premier sports destinations.
National and Collegiate Championships at The Myrtle Beach Sports Center, South Carolina
The Myrtle Beach Sports Center has a great track record when it comes to hosting high-caliber cornhole events. It first stepped into the spotlight with the National Cornhole Tournament in 2019, but the real headliner came in January 2025 when it hosted the ACL Collegiate Cornhole Championships.
This ACL-sanctioned collegiate championship brought together the top student-athletes from across the country. Participants competed in intense singles and doubles matches, showcasing the next generation of talent in the sport. The final eight teams and individuals each day were featured on a live ESPN2 broadcast, with the Myrtle Beach Sports Center’s spacious courts and modern amenities as the ideal backdrop for the prestigious tournament. Winthrop University emerged victorious, securing a “clean sweep” by winning both the College Doubles and Teams National Championship titles.
The Collegiate Cornhole Championships were proof that cornhole is catching fire with the next generation. By hosting this event, the Myrtle Beach Sports Center not only supported player development but also strengthened its position as a premier destination for major sporting events.
What’s Next?
The Myrtle Beach Sports Center’s role as a leading venue for cornhole continues to grow, with the ACL Open #5 scheduled for January 1-4, 2026. This upcoming tournament will add to the venue’s already stellar reputation, promising yet another exciting opportunity for players and fans to gather, compete, and connect.
While details of the event are still in development, the anticipation surrounding it underscores SFC-managed facilities’ ability to host world-class competitions. By consistently delivering high-quality experiences for athletes and spectators, these venues remain at the forefront of competitive cornhole’s rapid evolution.
Final Thoughts
Cornhole’s reputation as a competitive sport continues to rise, and sports facilities have a major opportunity to invest in its growth. Hosting ACO and ACL-sanctioned events is a big deal and brings comparable benefits to traditional high-caliber sporting events. Out-of-towners catalyze local economic activity through hotel bookings, dining, and retail spending. They also foster local pride by placing the venues and surrounding communities like Bryan, and Myrtle Beach in the national spotlight.
