Saratoga PLAN

Next Gen Cornhole Tournament

By Anna Gómez Domenech and Emma & Adrian (Next Gen)

Get ready to toss some bags for a great cause! Saratoga PLAN’s Next Generation Committee (Next Gen) is excited to host its third annual Cornhole Tournament at Artisanal Brew Works Brewery & Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, May 31 at 11am. This fun-filled event is open to ALL, whether you’re a seasoned cornhole player or new to the sport! Registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found online: saratogaplan.org/2025cornholetournament.

Don’t have a partner? No problem! Individual players now have the option to register solo and be matched with a teammate at the event. It’s a great way to meet new people, try something new, and get involved with a local organization doing important work across the region.

Raising Funds for Local Conservation – Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to protecting farmland, woods and waters, and connecting people to nature in the Saratoga region. Thanks to community support, PLAN has helped protect over 14,000 acres of land, safeguarded more than 30 local farms, and helped establish over 200 miles of trails. Events like this tournament raise critical funds to support ongoing conservation projects that benefit wildlife, working farms, clean water, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for all.

The cornhole tournament, launched by PLAN’s Next Gen Committee in 2022, has become a signature annual event. It’s not just about friendly competition, it’s about building community, raising awareness of local conservation work, and having a blast while doing it. Expect good food, cold beer, music, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to protecting the land you love.

What is Next Gen? – Next Gen is a passionate group of young adults (primarily in their 20s and 30s) who care deeply about environmental conservation and making a positive impact in their community. Members meet on a regular basis to talk about land conservation, plan volunteer events like the annual Water Chestnut Pull on Fish Creek, brainstorm creative ways to support PLAN’s mission, and have fun!

Tournament Format – This year’s tournament will feature two divisions, Social and Competitive. If you’re a casual player just looking for a good time, the social division is for you. More experienced players who regularly participate in leagues are encouraged to join the competitive division. You’ll be able to choose your division when you register and can update it later if needed.

The tournament includes two phases: 1) Rounders – Each team plays four matches, competing with teams of similar records to ensure fair matchups. 2) Double Elimination – After rounders, teams will be grouped into a double elimination bracket.

Registration & Tickets – $60/team (two players) or $30/individual player (matched with a teammate on event day). Each registration includes one drink ticket and a souvenir cup per player. Professional cornhole bags will be available for use, but players are welcome to bring their own. Check-in begins at 11am and bags fly at 11:30am. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Artisanal Brew Works. Please note that no outside food or drinks are allowed.

Prizes – They’re are some great prizes lined up for top teams in both divisions. First Place – Each player receives $50 cash and a $25 Artisanal Brew Works gift card (social) or exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Artisanal Brew Works with flight of beer (competitive). Second Place – Each player receives $30 cash and a $25 Healthy Living Market gift card. Third Place – Bragging rights!

To register, sponsor the event, or learn more, visit: saratogaplan.org/2025cornholetournament. 

Anna Gómez Domenech (annag@saratogaplan.org) is communications manager for Saratoga PLAN and staff liaison for the Next Gen committee. She enjoys hiking, backpacking with friends, skiing, painting, and propagating house plants. She rows with Saratoga Rowing Association, volunteers as a trail steward for Adirondack Mountain Club, and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021.