Clarksville Hosts Booming American Cornhole Organization Tournament

Nearly 500 competitors attend the annual ACO Clarksville Major event at F&M Bank Arena.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Clarksville, Tennessee recently hosted the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) Clarksville Major tournament, drawing nearly 500 competitors to the F&M Bank Arena over the February 27-28, 2026 weekend. The event highlights the rapid growth of cornhole as a competitive sport, with the ACO playing a key role in standardizing rules and fostering professional competition.

Why it matters

The Clarksville Major showcases cornhole's transformation from a casual backyard game to a nationally recognized sport with a dedicated following. The tournament's move to the larger F&M Bank Arena demonstrates the sport's increasing popularity and economic impact on host cities.

The details

The ACO Clarksville Major, now in its third year, featured competition in singles, doubles, women's, seniors, juniors, and co-ed team divisions. The event's growth from the Austin Peay State University Dunn Center to the larger F&M Bank Arena allowed for increased competitor participation. Blake Monroe, senior director of Sales with Visit Clarksville, noted the event's success in selling out both the Dunn Center in previous years and the F&M Bank Arena this year, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

  • The 2026 ACO Clarksville Major was held on February 27-28, 2026.
  • The tournament has been an annual event for the past three years.

The players

American Cornhole Organization (ACO)

The official governing body for the sport of cornhole, responsible for standardizing rules and fostering professional competition.

Blake Monroe

The senior director of Sales with Visit Clarksville, who noted the event's success in selling out both the Dunn Center in previous years and the F&M Bank Arena this year.

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What they’re saying

“Tournaments like the Clarksville Major aren't just about the game; they bring economic benefits to host cities.”

— Blake Monroe, senior director of Sales with Visit Clarksville (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The ACO is likely to continue expanding its offerings, including more regional and national tournaments, as well as youth development programs. Innovations in board design, bag materials, and scoring technology could also further enhance the competitive experience.

The takeaway

Cornhole's transformation from a casual backyard game to a nationally recognized sport with a dedicated following demonstrates the sport's growing popularity and accessibility. The Clarksville Major's success highlights the economic benefits that cornhole tournaments can bring to host cities, as well as the sport's appeal to a diverse range of participants.