Rock Hill Takes Center Stage at Super Bowl 59!

News Summary

During Super Bowl 59, the American Cornhole League (ACL) gained significant attention by featuring in a Google Workspace advertisement as part of a project highlighting innovative small businesses. This $8 million, 30-second ad showcased cornhole, a game that has evolved into a competitive sport, and underscored Rock Hill’s growing reputation as a cornhole center. Since its 2020 broadcasts on ESPN, the ACL has cultivated a vibrant local community with events at its headquarters, bringing together participants of all skill levels. The ad placement has sparked excitement and raised expectations for future activities, cementing Rock Hill’s status in the sporting world.

Rock Hill Shines in Super Bowl Spotlight: A Cornhole Leap into Advertising

ROCK HILL — This year, during the much-anticipated Super Bowl 59, the excitement didn’t just come from the game itself, as the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs. There was another kind of home front excitement brewing back in Rock Hill, where the headquarters of the American Cornhole League (ACL) found themselves in the spotlight. With their appearance in a Google Workspace advertisement, the league hit a significant milestone, showcasing cornhole—an easy-going backyard game that has grown into a competitive sport.

Google Workspace Partners with ACL for a Nationwide Ad

The ACL was delighted to be part of Google’s 50 States, 50 Stories project, which featured small businesses across the nation. The project aimed to highlight the innovative ways that companies were leveraging artificial intelligence tools. This special 30-second ad, which cost Google a hefty chunk—up to $8 million—was aired in various markets, including edits on WJZY in Charlotte and FOX stations throughout South Carolina.

For the folks watching at the ACL headquarters during the game, waving their snacks and drinks in anticipation, the buzz quickly turned to an explosion of joy as friends and family flooded their phones with messages. The ads aired right around the time one team was still struggling to score, but ACL was already racking up points in the popularity contest!

Catching the Attention of Sports Fans

Since making a splash in 2020 by broadcasting cornhole competitions on ESPN—an innovative move during a time when many sports found themselves seeking content during the pandemic—the ACL has been climbing the ladder of sports recognition.

Now, boasting a two-year agreement with ESPN to broadcast events, the recognition from the Super Bowl felt surreal to spokesperson Trey Ryder. Even though cornhole has come a long way, and the ACL frequently appears on television, this was a different level of excitement. The energy was palpable as employees at the headquarters celebrated—a shared experience that solidified this as a budding sports milestone.

Putting Rock Hill on the Sporting Map

The showcasing of the ACL has put Rock Hill on the map as a vibrant center for cornhole and other sports. Particularly, the area’s reputation has flourished, thanks in part to its sports complex in the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center next to the ACL headquarters. This structure has become a critical hub for various sporting events, acting like a hub buzzing with activity and competition.

Speaking about this recent achievement, Ryder described how Google first made the move to partner with the ACL last November, and it has only turned out to be a remarkable journey since. Google utilized their Gemini program to select the ACL alongside other small businesses, streamlining the choice process where they started with thousands of options, narrowing it down in no time.

A Thriving Community with an Eye on the Future

The ACL isn’t just about televised competitions; it also actively engages in the local community, promoting casual and competitive play. Friday nights at their headquarters attract participants from all backgrounds, coming together to enjoy both the challenge of the game and camaraderie.

Rock Hill has grown into a powerhouse for cornhole, where friendly rivalries and exciting events come alive. Local players regularly gather to showcase their skills, enabling a thriving environment that brings smiles, laughter, and sometimes a nail-biting showdown between seasoned players.

While this recent Google ad is bringing more excitement to the area, it also raises questions about what lies ahead for the ACL and the community itself as they continue to innovate and grow. Being featured in such a prominent event has definitely catalyzed local interest and pride in the sport, but also sets a higher expectation for activities and events that follow.

As Rock Hill continues to rise, it hosts the world championship of cornhole each summer. This bright spot presents a great opportunity for local businesses and for the ACL to expand its influence further into the sporting world. So whether you’re into the serious competition or just tossing bags for fun with friends, cornhole is ready for its big moment in Rock Hill—and the community is here to support it every step of the way!

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