BREAKING: American Cornhole League ACL Open Clash Coming To Quad-Cities
BREAKING NEWS: For the first time ever, the American Cornhole League (ACL) will hold an event in the Quad Cities with the ACL Open #7 on April 9-11, 2021.
The ACL promotes and develops cornhole as a sport for any age and any skill level. Their tournaments are regularly seen on ESPN. There are 15 conferences across the U.S. and the Midwest Conference is home to one of the largest player bases in the country.
“We are thrilled that the American Cornhole League (ACL) will help the Quad Cities make history by hosting their first event in the QC and at the Bend XPO,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “The ACL and the sport is growing in the Midwest and throughout the country. It is a privilege to welcome these competitors to our regional destination. Sports tourism continues to deliver for the Quad Cities and the ACL is diversifying our portfolio of events as a host community. We are grateful for this exciting new partnership and look forward to April.”
This tournament will have another first, as the first event to take place at the new Bend XPO in East Moline, Ill. With 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, 120 regulation cornhole courts will be able to fit inside Bend XPO.
“The American Cornhole League is looking forward to its first event in the Quad Cities region and we are excited to bring the ACL Open #7 event to Bend XPO,” says Brian Ash, ACL Midwest Conference Director. “The staff at Bend XPO has been amazing to work with as we plan guidelines together to insure a safe and fun event. The local community is already showing its support as local business, Windsor Bags Co., is on board as our main court sponsor. The ACL and its players cannot wait to be the first event at Bend XPO and make this one to remember for a long time.”
As an Open tournament, registration is open to professional cornhole players as well as your backyard cornhole competitors. General 
registration for members will be open March 12-April 8, or until sold out at www.iplaycornhole.com/news-media/213.
It will be a three-day event including ACL Rounders, Singles, and Doubles. ACL Rounders is a Progressive Round Robin format. Players are required to play in the Saturday Rounders in order to compete in the open events on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators are allowed to watch tournament play. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for the three days.
Registration numbers will be capped and tournament play will be staggered to allow for social distancing and safety protocols. Tournament organizers and Bend XPO staff have been working closely with the Rock Island County Health Department to follow Covid-19 guidelines.
“After much anticipation, we are ready to host events at Bend XPO,” says Brittany Haas, Director of Exposition & Sales, Bend XPO. “Hosting an event like the ACL Open will bring exposure to the new types of events that can be hosted in the Quad Cities in a venue like ours. We are kicking off this spring with a lineup full of youth activities, social events, as well as daytime meetings—all inside of our 100,000 sq. ft. footprint. The public is ready to be active again and our team is excited to expand our capabilities here at The Bend in East Moline.”
