Playing Cornhole: The Culture Behind The Sport
Playing cornhole has become an international phenomenon thanks to a meteoric rise. We’ll assume you know the cornhole basics but if not, head over to What is Cornhole? and poke around, otherwise stay right here. In this article we will explore the culture behind a sport including the following topics:
The Rise of Cornhole
Cornhole’s Social Impact
Cornhole Board Art
Cornhole in Pop Culture and More Cultural Elements
The Rise of Cornhole
What began as a casual backyard game (see origins of cornhole) gradually transformed into a competitive sport with organized leagues, tournaments, and professional players. The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) and the American Cornhole League (ACL) are two prominent bodies that oversee the sport, offering standardized rules, rankings, and national championships. Competitive cornhole has gained significant media coverage, elevating its status and attracting a new generation of players some of which who have turned into the sport’s professionals. 2018 estimates show significant salaries for pro players with reports of $5,000 to $60,000 in earnings according to some sources. In 2022 Mark Richards’ cornhole run was arguably one of the best season’s in history so it would not be hard to imagine that he exceeded these estimates given his success and the sports rapid increase in popularity.
With its organization and rapid increase in popularity, cornhole has become an industry and spawned a deep rooted culture around the sport with far reaching impacts.
Cornhole Goes International
Speaking of far reaching impacts Cornhole has been steadily gaining traction in Europe in recent years. European enthusiasts have embraced cornhole, organizing tournaments and leagues across the continent, fostering a growing community of players. Its spread highlights the universal appeal of casual outdoor games and the cultural exchange between regions. The sense of patriotism with a diverse set of countries so close together naturally enhances the culture of the sport with different countries putting their personal touch on the game’s apparel, boards, bags, and accessories. However, regardless of if a store sells country branded products or not there is a large and growing market to feed the Cornhole revolution in Europe. Take for example Cornholestore.com. They have done a magnificent job of offering quality products that are designed in Sweden and offered at a reasonable price to become one of Europe’s most complete suppliers.
Cornhole’s Social Impact
One of the most prominent spheres of influence where corn holing gained a foothold was in social circles. Cornhole's charm lies not only in the game itself but also in the social connections it fosters. Whether played at a family reunion, tailgate party, or local bar, cornhole serves as a social lubricant, breaking down barriers and encouraging interactions. Its simple rules and accessibility make it inclusive for people of all ages and skill levels, providing a platform for shared experiences and friendly competition. It is not difficult to find cornhole leagues near you.
Tailgating
Tailgating and cornhole have become inseparable companions with some folks even claiming they are addicted to cornhole. Whether it's professional or college football, a concert, or any other outdoor gathering, the sight of cornhole boards lined up and players engaged in friendly competition has become an integral part of the pre-game/pre-show festivities. Before the events, fans gather in parking lots and set up tailgating parties complete with grills, beverages, and, of course, cornhole boards. Tailgating traditions have embraced cornhole as an essential activity to pass the time before the game or show. It adds a competitive and festive element to the overall experience, allowing fans to bond, show their team spirit, and build a sense of camaraderie.
Social Events
Cornhole has transcended its status as a game and has become a central element of social events. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a beach gathering, or a community festival, cornhole sets are a common sight. People gather around the boards, engaging in friendly competition, cheering for their favorite teams, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The game acts as a catalyst for conversation and connection, bringing people together in a shared experience. It also provides a conduit for people to show their identity. Whether that be through their board designs, the bags they play with, or the cornhole apparel they rock, it is all part of the culture of cornhole. Here are some examples of some slick designs:
Community building
Cornhole has the unique ability to strengthen bonds within communities. It is often played at local fundraisers, charity events, and neighborhood gatherings, providing a fun and engaging activity that encourages participation and support. Cornhole tournaments and leagues have emerged as a means to bring communities together, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. It has even been used at community senior centers to engage with older folks. Whether it is playing a game with each other or bringing in folks from the outside, either way, it gets the seniors involved in physical activity that is both good for their minds and their bodies. Through cornhole, people can connect, build relationships, and create a strong community spirit.
Bars and Breweries
Cornhole's rise in popularity has also had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Bars and breweries have recognized the appeal of cornhole and have incorporated it into their establishments. Patrons can enjoy a cold beverage, socialize, and engage in friendly competition on indoor or outdoor cornhole setups. This integration of cornhole has not only increased foot traffic but has also created a unique selling point for these establishments, providing a fun and interactive experience for their customers. There is a unique connection between drinking alcohol and playing cornhole and these establishments have leveraged this bond to benefit both their business and their customers.
Cornhole Board Art
Customization and Personal Expression:
Cornhole boards provide a unique canvas for artistic expression. Players often purchase their boards with designs that reflect their personality, interests, and affiliations. From sports teams and favorite hobbies to intricate patterns and vibrant artwork, the possibilities for creativity are endless. Customizing cornhole boards allows players to make a statement and add a personal touch to their gaming experience. Some folks even make their own boards with a board build kit and either paint or add Vinyl cornhole board decals to them.
Local Pride and Identity:
Cornhole board art frequently celebrates local pride and community identity. Many players incorporate local landmarks, city skylines, state flags, or college logos into their board designs. This allows players to showcase their roots and demonstrate their love for their hometown or alma mater. Cornhole boards thus become a visual representation of regional or communal pride, further strengthening the connection between players and their communities.
Themes and Imagery:
Cornhole board art can also encompass a wide range of themes and imagery. Some boards feature nature-inspired designs, such as landscapes, wildlife, or scenic vistas. Others may incorporate pop culture references, movie characters, or iconic symbols. Additionally, board designs can be tailored to specific events or holidays, featuring seasonal themes like Halloween, Christmas, or Independence Day. The flexibility of cornhole board art allows players to align their designs with their personal preferences and the occasion at hand.
Artistic Techniques:
Cornhole board art employs various artistic techniques to bring designs to life. Some artists use traditional painting methods, utilizing brushes, stencils, and vibrant colors to create eye-catching visuals. Others may employ airbrushing techniques to achieve intricate details and smooth gradients. Additionally, some artists use decal applications or vinyl wraps to achieve precise designs or incorporate images and patterns that are beyond their painting capabilities. These techniques enable artists to produce professional-grade cornhole board art with stunning results.
Professional Cornhole Board Artists:
The growing popularity of cornhole has led to the emergence of professional cornhole board builders and artists. These folks specialize in creating customized boards and may offer their services through dedicated websites, social media platforms, or local partnerships. They bring a high level of expertise and craftsmanship to their work, ensuring that each board is a unique and visually striking piece of art. One of our favorites is Left Coast Board Company. Check them out on Instagram, they do some amazing work.
Competitions and Showcases:
Cornhole board art is often showcased and celebrated at competitions, tournaments, and exhibitions. Some events feature competitions specifically focused on board artistry, allowing artists to showcase their skills and creativity. These showcases provide an opportunity for artists to gain recognition, connect with enthusiasts, and inspire others with their imaginative designs.
Cornhole board art is a dynamic and integral part of cornhole culture, allowing players to personalize their gaming experience, showcase their artistic abilities, and express their individuality. With its wide range of themes, techniques, and customization options, cornhole board art adds a visual dimension to the game and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of cornhole.
Cornhole in pop culture
Cornhole has been featured in several movies and TV shows, showcasing its appeal as a recreational activity. Scenes from the big screen helped introduce cornhole to a broader audience and sparked interest in the game. In addition to the big screen, cornhole has been seen in TV shows where it is often portrayed as a staple backyard game during social gatherings.
Commercials and Advertisements: Cornhole has been incorporated into advertising campaigns for various brands. The game's friendly and inclusive nature makes it a perfect fit for commercials that aim to promote a laid-back and fun atmosphere. Companies like Bud Light, GEICO, and Coca-Cola have featured cornhole in their ads, highlighting its role as a social activity that brings people together.
Other cultural elements
Additional elements of cornhole culture include the bag art, many different types of apparel, and accessories.
Bag Art
Similar to the board designs, bags provide a blank canvas (pun intended) for manufacturers and artists to express themselves. Whether is it a team theme, brand, or just some beautiful designs, bags provide another cultural element to the game. Some of the best at bringing some serious style to the sport are the folks at Dirty Bags Cornhole. They really know how to make a bag’s design pop off the material and enhance the playing experience.
Apparel
There is no shortage of style with the many shirts, hats, pants, hoodies, and other clothing available from a variety of manufacturers. Some have purposely designed their apparel for improved gameplay with loose fitting shirts and sweat wicking materials. Other’s simply make quality products to promote their brand. Regardless of their intent, the fact that there are so many manufacturer’s of clothing built around the sport shows how ingrained it has become in local cultures. If you are looking for a solid brand for your next apparel purchase, check out our friends at Bangarang. They make great products and have a great story to tell.
Accessories
Along with the apparel, some folks also sell Cornhole accessories like Travel mugs, stickers, backpacks, water bottles, and more. However the cornhole patches caught our eye especially. Patches seem to be a growing trends and happening upon Rebel Cornhole’s patch collection was like finding gold. Patches further showcase how ingrained cornhole has become in culture. They add a personal expression element to where ever they are placed and some of them a hilarious. Check out some examples below:
As we look to the future, it is evident that cornhole's cultural impact will continue to grow. Its ability to bring people together, foster social connections, and create a sense of belonging ensures its enduring legacy. From casual backyard games to professional leagues, cornhole remains a cherished tradition that celebrates the spirit of competition, friendship, and community.