By Steffen Klenk
Cornhole is a widely popular outdoor game played at all ages and skill levels. While the exact origins of the game can be traced back centuries, it has attracted much popularity in recent decades, and has quickly become a growing sport. Various one-on-one matches and tournaments have aired on ESPN. To keep up with its popularity, one group has recently opened up a brand new cornhole facility in Somers Point.
Cornhole Craze is the first and only facility dedicated to the game in the state of New Jersey, and one of the largest in the entire country. The 8,000 square foot facility celebrated its grand opening in mid-February, and is quickly attracting new patrons. The space includes up to 10 lanes where anyone can try their hand at the game, from the most casual and avid player to professionals.
The concept stemmed from Somers Point Police Officer Rick Dill. He and co-worker, Joe Scioli began brainstorming the idea several years ago. “In my head, I envisioned it as just a pole barn with a few lanes where friends could hang out,” After much discussion, they settled on a facility that would be made open to the public.
The sport has grown in recent years. One of the owners, Jet Pahang, a South jersey resident and fellow officer with Hamilton Township Police Department, expressed his interest in growing the sport in South Jersey. “Before, I used to travel to North Jersey and Pennsylvania for tournaments,” Pehang says. “Now, the game has become readily available for the locals.”
Pehang is also a member of the 609 Cornhole League, which hosts weekly tournaments at the Somers Point facility. Its members travel throughout the state during the summer season playing in various tournaments. With outdoor activities limited during the winter, the league is staying active, according to Pahang, “We went from ten teams last year to fourteen this past season. Currently we have eighteen teams. It has expanded tremendously.”
For those who have never played cornhole, game play is simple. First, you will need eight 6×6” beanbags made from quality materials and a set of cornhole boards, with a regulation size of 4 x 2 feet, and you are ready to play. Keeping score is also a breeze. Each beanbag that rests on the board is worth 1 point. If the beanbag enters the circular hole, add 3 points. Points that are scored by your opponent during each turn will cancel yours out. Whether you are at the beach, your backyard, or at a campsite, the game can be played on any surface
Since opening day, Cornhole Craze has attracted the attention of local businesses. The new facility is working in conjunction with neighboring wine and spirits stores to offer special tastings. Cornhole Craze is also one of the newest locations where patrons can find New Jersey Golden Tee, a statewide arcade game and virtual golf tournament.
As the sport continues to make waves, the owners of Cornhole Craze have expressed interest in hosting national tournaments for leagues such as the ACL in the future. In addition, one of the biggest goals is to support other neighborhood businesses and South Jersey residents, according to Joe Scioli. “The community is important to us.”
During a time when many businesses have struggled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cornhole Craze is defying the odds. To those interested, yearly and monthly memberships are available, which includes discounted entry fees, merchandise, entry to exclusive leagues and tournaments, locker space and access to use the facility anytime, day or night.
Cornhole Craze is located in the Somers Point Plaza at 214 New Road. The facility is open to the public on weekends between 6-10pm, and visitors are encouraged to book their lanes online in advance. Those who are interested in learning more can visit cornholecraze.com.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
