Growing Cornhole Community Taking Off in Northwest Kansas

What started as a backyard pastime has quickly become one of Northwest Kansas' fastest-growing competitive activities — and Goodland is right in the middle of the surge.

Local cornhole enthusiast Adam Waters joined The Morning Blitz Wednesday to talk about the sport’s rapid growth and the thriving community that has formed inside Freedom Hall in Goodland.

“Cornhole in Northwest Kansas has been around for quite some time,” Waters explained. “The group out of Colby, the 7-8-5 Baggers, has been going for three or four years. Burlington's got a great group, too. Here in Goodland, we really started moving this year.”

Goodland’s weekly cornhole meet-ups launched in February thanks to local organizers Dallas Burnt, Alan Brown, and Bob Juleson. Since then, participation has taken off — and it's not just casual toss-the-bag fun anymore.

For many, cornhole remains a casual backyard game. But as Waters notes, there's also a competitive side fueled by the American Cornhole League (ACL) and the stat-tracking app ScoreHolio.

“It’s very relatable to baseball,” Waters said. “You can take it as serious as you want. ScoreHolio tracks everything — percentages, points per round, all of it. We’ve got players in Northwest Kansas averaging nine points per round. That’s three in the hole every turn.”

Players in Goodland range from 6 years old to over 70, and the competition level has risen quickly. Weekly events often draw 24–36 players.

Goodland's facility — the former VFW building now known as Freedom Hall — has become a regional hub for the sport.

Six sponsored board setups, food and drink availability through Traditions Restaurant and the venue bar, and strong community support make it a standout site.

“You can get dinner delivered right inside, grab a drink, and play,” Waters said. “The Stasers have been incredible helping make this happen.”

Events are held every Thursday except the first Thursday of the month. New players are encouraged to join. Players register through the ScoreHolio app, but walk-ins are welcome and organizers will help newcomers get set up.

A special College & Community Night is held monthly with no entry fee to encourage student participation.

With colder weather coming, organizers hope even more local residents will check it out.

“It takes zero athletic talent — just a desire to have fun or get competitive,” Waters said with a smile. “It’s a great way to get out, meet people, and be part of something.”

Goodland’s club — known as Freedom Baggers — also maintains a Facebook page where schedules and updates are posted.