Chicago’s Third Annual Soldier Field “Cornhole Classic” Bags Tournament July 18 Awards $4,000 in Cash Prizes

All Levels Welcome to Throw Corn-Filled Bags July 18, 2009

Soldier Field and SMG, the managing operator of Soldier Field, announce the 3rd Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament and Festival Saturday, July 18 in Soldier Field’s South Courtyard (inside Gate O), 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.

The tournament begins at 10 a.m. for the competitive doubles and social singles and at 1 p.m. for competitive singles and social doubles.  The top four participants in these divisions will compete for $4,000 in cash and prizes.

Admission is free to the event.  Fees and times to compete in the tournament are as follows:

• Kids and First-time Throwers, Free, 10 a.m.
• Social Singles Division, $25, 10 a.m.
• Competitive Doubles Division, $90, 10 a.m.
• Competitive Singles Division, $50, 1 p.m.
• Social Doubles Division, $50, 1 p.m.

Hundreds of Chicago cornhole fans, as well as other baggers from across the Midwest, will be tossing corn-filled bags to win the admired Soldier Field Cornhole Classic Championship crown. Participants will enjoy music, delicious food and some laughs while competing in this tournament. T-shirts and give-a-ways will be available for each participant.

SMG hosts and organizes the tournament. This year, SMG has partnered with the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) who will be running the Maize Kraze TOP GUN Competitive Singles Division. This ACO-sanctioned division is open to all ACO pros, semi-pros, and any amateur wanting to see how they stack up against the best players in the world.

Cornhole.com and Chipotle restaurant sponsor this year’s tournament.  The Soldier Field Cornhole Classic is the Midwest’s largest organized cornhole tournament.

About the game

Baggo, corn toss, bean bags or cornhole, as it is most commonly called, is an increasingly popular game across the nation where players toss a one-pound bag filled with corn at a sloped box with a hole at one end.   The points are awarded either by tossing the bag into the hole for three points, or if the bag stays atop the box, the player earns one point.  The first individual or team to score 21 points wins the game; best of three games wins the match.

To register or for more information, please call 312-235-7000 or go to SoldierField.net.

About Chicago Park District

For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 natural areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY or 312-747-2001.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marta Juaniza, 312-742-4798

Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, 312-742-4786