Bocce’s Best from around the Country Gather at the 1st Annual Bocce Tournament at Pinstripes

July 11, 2013

(Chicago, July 2013) Known for its beautiful ambiance, delectable food, and unique gaming experience, the Italian flared venue, Pinstripes, will host its first annual Bocce Tournament this September. “Strikingly good” players from around the country ranging from experts to beginners of all ages are invited to show off their skills at this Italian ball sport as they compete for a grand prize of $15,000. Following modified United States Bocce Federation (USBF) Open Rules, teams comprised of four team members will battle it out during qualifying rounds as they compete for the championship rounds and the title of first place.

“We’re looking forward to this event as a chance to bring bocce aficionados from around the Chicagoland area, Minneapolis and the country together for this weekend-long event,” comments Pinstripes’ founder, Dale Schwartz. “From the bocce tournament to the wine dinner kickoff event, there is something for players and spectators alike at our 40,000 square foot venues.”

One hundred teams total will be made up of four players plus a fifth as an alternate. Each match will be played in round robin style following an 11-point game structure. With approximately $27,000 in prize monies available, registration for the first ever bocce tournament at Pinstripes is first come, first serve and is limited. For this tournament, Pinstripes is honoring the winners with much more than just a medal, as the top eight teams are sure to go home celebrating- 5^th-8^th places will receive $500, 4^th place will receive $2,000, 3^rd place will receive $3,000, 2^nd place will receive $5,000 and 1^st place will receive $15,000.

With support from national names like Pepsi, Sysco, Goose Island and San Pellegrino, participants will be able to take a break from the competition as they enjoy one of many other Pinstripes’ attractions, dining. Upon arrival, and in between rounds, teams will be able to feast on breakfast and lunch that is sure to give them that extra energy to advance to the next round. Participants and guests are also invited to begin the celebrations with a wine dinner on Saturday, September 21 at Pinstripes Oak Brook. The 5-course wine dinner, priced at $75 per person (all inclusive), will showcase the culinary masterpieces of Chef Cesar Gutierrez and will highlight the flavor profiles of some of the most sought-after wine portfolios in the country.

Registration
Team entries must be submitted by August 21 with payment in order to be admitted into the tournament. The cost to register is $400 per team, which includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and/or Sunday, depending on location of qualifying rounds. To register, contact Pinstripes’ Event Director Sandie Montgomery at sandie@pinstripes.com or 630-575-8744. Reservations for the wine dinner can be made by calling Pinstripes Oak Brook at 630-575-8700.

Qualifying Rounds
The Qualifying Rounds will take place on Sunday, September 15 at Pinstripes Edina plus an exhibition with world-class players on Saturday, September 21 at the Pinstripes Northbrook, South Barrington and Oak Brook locations.  Four teams will qualify at each location for a total of 16 teams to advance to the Championship Rounds on Sunday, September 22 at Pinstripes Oak Brook. The Championship Rounds will be made up of four rounds, single elimination style, with two teams in the final game to prove who is skilled enough to be crowned Champion. May the most “Strikingly Good” player win!