One of crokinole’s most underrated superpowers is its sheer versatility. While many sports or games demand specific venues—like a tennis court, bowling alley, or football field—crokinole breaks all the rules. A tournament doesn’t need a fancy rented hall, a professional setup, or even a huge space. All you really need is a board, a few chairs, a decent playing surface, and people who love to flick discs.
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| Photo credit - u/Hobo720 on Reddit. |
Let’s dive into why crokinole tournaments can be hosted in a wide variety of locations, from the humble garage to the great outdoors—and everywhere in between.
The Game Is Compact by Nature
A crokinole board is roughly 30 inches in diameter. That’s smaller than most coffee tables. Even with a few players per board, you’re talking about minimal space requirements compared to traditional sporting events. This makes it easy to set up multiple boards in tight quarters or cozy corners, like basements, living rooms, or community centers.
Portability Makes Planning a Breeze
Crokinole boards are lightweight and easy to carry. You can transport a whole tournament setup in the trunk of a car. Folding tables and camping chairs? No problem. This mobility opens up possibilities for tournaments in:
- Garages – Clear out the space, set up a few boards, string some lights, and you’ve got a tournament venue with atmosphere.
- Backyards – If the weather cooperates, a backyard crokinole tourney can be equal parts competitive and social, complete with barbecues and drinks.
- Living rooms – Great for smaller-scale tournaments or even a “house league” vibe. Push back the furniture and let the flicking begin.
- Community parks – Bring some tables and shade tents, and you’ve got an outdoor tournament with a fresh breeze and public exposure to the game.
- Church basements, libraries, school gyms – Many of these locations are free or low-cost and available for community use.
- Cafés and breweries – Some businesses love hosting unique events that bring in customers. A crokinole tournament adds flair to any local venue.
Minimal Equipment, Maximum Fun
Unlike sports that require uniforms, scoreboards, or expensive gear, crokinole keeps it simple: boards, discs, and score sheets. You don’t need a lot of power outlets or audio-visual setups. If you’ve got clipboards and pencils, you’re ready to go. This makes it easier to set up shop almost anywhere without needing permission, permits, or a tech crew.
Built-In Community Spirit
Crokinole tournaments tend to be social events. They’re about connection, conversation, and camaraderie just as much as competition. That means the location doesn’t need to be glamorous—it just needs to feel welcoming. A kitchen with snacks, a fridge full of drinks, and a table in the middle of a home can be just as inviting (or more so!) than a rented hall.
The vibe is often more important than the venue.
Weather-Proof Options Galore
Because crokinole can be played indoors or outdoors, you’re not at the mercy of the weather. Rainy day? Head into the garage. Too cold outside? Move the tournament into the basement. Beautiful summer day? Set up a few boards under trees in the park and enjoy nature between matches. Flexibility is the name of the game.
Encourages Grassroots Growth
The ability to host a crokinole tournament anywhere means more people can get involved. Not everyone has the budget to rent a hall or book a formal venue. But almost everyone can clear some space and invite others to play. That’s how clubs get started, friendships are built, and local traditions are born.
Hosting a tournament at home or in an unconventional spot is part of how the game grows.
Final Thoughts: The Board Is the Star
At the end of the day, it’s the board and the people that matter. Whether you're playing in a barn in rural Ontario, a city café, or a friend’s garage with string lights overhead, the magic of crokinole comes through every flick. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your location—it just might make your tournament more memorable.
So next time you're planning a crokinole event, remember: the world is your venue.
Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!
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