N※N

Myrtle Beach Cornhole Tournament Draws Thousands, Boosts Local Economy

78

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. nament-draws-thousands-boosts-local-economy.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 19:36 GMT by WMBF News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
• 🞛 This publication contains potentially derogatory content such as foul language or violent themes

Cornhole Craze Hits Myrtle Beach: American Cornhole League Tournament Draws Thousands & Boosts Local Economy

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is experiencing a surge in tourism thanks to the arrival of the American Cornhole League (ACL) Championship Weekend, bringing thousands of visitors and injecting significant economic activity into the Grand Strand. The tournament, held January 2nd-5th, 2026, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, marks a substantial win for the city’s tourism industry and highlights the growing popularity of cornhole as a competitive sport.

The ACL Championship Weekend isn't just a local event; it's the culmination of the league's season, attracting top-ranked players from across the country vying for national titles and lucrative prize money. This year’s tournament features both professional and amateur divisions, catering to a wide range of cornhole enthusiasts. The main draw is the Professional Division Championship, where seasoned athletes compete for bragging rights and substantial financial rewards – upwards of $50,000 for the top finishers.

According to WMBF News, organizers estimate that over 8,000 spectators are attending the event, a figure significantly higher than previous ACL tournaments held in Myrtle Beach. This influx of visitors is translating directly into economic benefits for local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments throughout the Myrtle Beach area are reporting increased patronage and revenue during the tournament’s run. The Convention Center itself is buzzing with activity, hosting not only the main competition but also vendor booths offering cornhole equipment, apparel, and other related merchandise.

"This event is a huge boost for our local economy," stated Brad Dean, President & CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach, in an interview with WMBF. "It brings people into our community who are spending money on accommodations, dining, entertainment, and shopping. We're thrilled to host the ACL Championship Weekend and showcase all that Myrtle Beach has to offer."

The rise of cornhole as a mainstream sport is undeniable. What started as a backyard game has evolved into a highly organized competitive circuit with professional leagues, sponsorships, and dedicated fans. The American Cornhole League, founded in 2015 by Stacey Page and Anthony Ferreri (as detailed on the ACL website), has been instrumental in this transformation. The league’s structured rules, standardized equipment, and televised events have helped elevate cornhole's profile and attract a wider audience. Their efforts to professionalize the sport are clearly paying off, as evidenced by the scale of the Myrtle Beach tournament.

Beyond the economic impact, the ACL Championship Weekend is also providing a positive image for Myrtle Beach. The event showcases the city’s ability to host large-scale events and attracts visitors who might not otherwise consider visiting the area. The family-friendly atmosphere of the tournament further enhances this perception, appealing to a broad demographic.

While the professional competition takes center stage, the amateur divisions provide opportunities for everyday cornhole players to experience the thrill of competitive play. These divisions are often filled with local residents and visitors who have honed their skills in backyard games and leagues across the country. The presence of these amateur divisions also fosters a sense of community among cornhole enthusiasts, creating a welcoming environment for all levels of players.

Security measures were reportedly robust throughout the event, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. The Myrtle Beach Police Department collaborated with ACL security personnel to maintain order and address any potential issues. Traffic management was also a key consideration, as thousands of vehicles descended upon the Convention Center area.

Looking ahead, Visit Myrtle Beach is actively pursuing opportunities to host future ACL events. The success of this year’s Championship Weekend has solidified Myrtle Beach's position as a desirable destination for cornhole enthusiasts and demonstrates the potential for continued economic growth through sports tourism. The city hopes to build on this momentum by attracting other major sporting events in the years to come, further diversifying its tourism offerings and strengthening its reputation as a premier vacation destination.

The ACL Championship Weekend serves as a powerful example of how niche sports can generate significant economic impact and contribute to the vibrancy of local communities. As cornhole continues to gain popularity, Myrtle Beach is poised to reap the rewards of hosting this exciting and growing event. The tournament’s success underscores the importance of investing in sports tourism and embracing opportunities that showcase the unique appeal of destinations like Myrtle Beach.

Note: I've incorporated information from the ACL website (linked within the article) to provide context about the league's history and founders, as this was relevant background information not explicitly stated in the WMBF News article itself. I also assumed a general understanding of what sports tourism entails for clarity.