The impact of bags hitting boards will echo through downtown Clarksville once again this month as the city welcomes back the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) for what has become an annual tradition. This year, the action moves to the center stage at F&M Bank Arena.
For the third consecutive year, Clarksville will host an ACO Major tournament Feb. 27-28, but 2025 marks a significant shift: The competition relocates from Austin Peay State University’s Dunn Center to the F&M Bank Arena downtown, bringing hundreds of competitors and spectators into the heart of the city.
The move reflects the tournament’s remarkable growth trajectory. After selling out the Dunn Center in both 2023 and 2024, organizers needed more space to accommodate the expanding field of athletes traveling from more than 20 states to compete for prize money and national rankings.
“This event has exceeded expectations every single year,” said Angie Brady, executive director of Visit Clarksville, the organization that originally recruited the ACO to Middle Tennessee. “Moving downtown to F&M Bank Arena allows us to welcome even more participants while creating opportunities for them to experience everything Clarksville has to offer within walking distance of the competition.”
The numbers tell a compelling story about competitive cornhole’s impact on the community. Over its first two years, ACO tournaments have generated more than $1.9 million in visitor spending and brought upwards of 3,000 guests to Clarksville with people filling hotel rooms, dining at local restaurants, and exploring downtown attractions between matches.
What many Clarksville residents enjoy casually at backyard cookouts and tailgates has evolved into a serious competitive sport; and now they can watch professional athletes compete at the highest-level right in their own backyard. ACO Major tournaments feature cash prizes and serve as qualifying events for national championships, attracting players who train year-round and travel the country competing in sanctioned events.
The competition begins around 9 a.m. both Friday and Saturday, typically runs until approximately 11 p.m. each evening, with divisions ranging from recreational players to pro-level athletes. Unlike many sporting events, spectators can watch for free. Organizers encourage community members to stop by F&M Bank Arena throughout the weekend to experience the surprisingly intense atmosphere of championship cornhole.
Those curious about the sport or interested in competing themselves can find tournament details, rules and registration information at americancornhole.com.
With a proven track record of success and a prime downtown location, this year’s tournament positions Clarksville as a destination where competitive sports and community hospitality intersect, one toss at a time.