Matt Light Holds Charity Event, Looks to Break Record

MATT LIGHT’S CORNHOLE TOURNEY AIMS TO BREAK THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Cornhole Commotion Is Set to Shatter the One-Day Tournament Record in Year #2

(Walpole, MA) – Known for creating havoc on the field at Gillette Stadium, 11-year New England Patriot left tackle Matt Light will once again cause a commotion this June as he hosts and participates in the world’s largest one-day Cornhole Tournament. This year’s Cornhole Commotion, on Saturday, June 14 at Gillette Stadium’s Dana Farber Field House, is expected to break the Guinness World Record which currently stands at 288 players. In 2013 during its inaugural year, Light’s Cornhole Commotion tournament featured 256 participants. This year, event organizers expect more than 150 teams and 300 players. Cornhole enthusiasts and families are invited to come enjoy the Cornhole Commotion record-breaking fete along with other festivities at Gillette Stadium.

The 2nd Annual Cornhole Commotion celebration will run from 12:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Gillette Stadium’s Dana Farber Field House with the final four teams competing outdoors on sacred grounds – the Patriots’ practice field. In addition to the tournament - players, observers and families can affordably enjoy NFL Experience inflatables, activities, games, novelties, face-painting, food, drink, water amusements, raffles and entertainment featuring King Richard’s Faire cast members both inside the Fieldhouse and outside in the enhanced FunFest KidZone.

Matt Light, an Ohio native, graduate of Purdue University and die-hard Cornhole fan created this one-of-a-kind summer kick-off event to promote the game of Cornhole locally while benefiting The Light Foundation and its focus on youth empowerment. Cornhole enthusiasts and tournament experts report that Light has raised the profile of Cornhole in the Northeast.

“Cornhole Commotion created a huge buzz last year. We saw a direct effect on our business as a result of Matt Light creatively promoting his newest fundraiser via the media and social media. Businesses, non-profits and people looking for a new social hobby reached out to us for more details on the game – and as a result we added new tournaments, new clients wanting regular Cornhole play in their bars and restaurants, and have heard from local Cornhole board makers who saw a serious uptick in requests,” said Boston Cornhole owner Mike Rielly. Rielly runs the Cornhole Commotion tournament bracket, keeps his national network of Cornhole enthusiasts informed about the event and works on logistics with Light and his team.

Cornhole is similar to horseshoes. Players take turns pitching small weighted bags onto wooden platforms with a hole, rather than using horseshoes and metal stakes. Typically played tournament style with a goal of 21 points, a contestant earns three points for throwing a “corn” bag in the “hole” and one point for landing a bag on the board. The game can be played anywhere - but only Cornhole Commotion will take place where the NE Patriots practice.

Cornhole Commotionwill feature more than 150 teams consisting of two players each– novices and die-hards in addition to local celebrities, corporate sponsors and a large crowd of observers make this a day to remember. Teams will square off on 48 courses in the Dana Farber Field House for a double-elimination tournament. Four Cornhole Commotion finalists will then move outdoors to the adjacent practice field area. The winning Cornhole Commotion team will walk away with a $1,000 cash prize and bragging rights. The three other finalists will receive $800, $500 and $200.

In addition to the tournament,the day’s festivities will include a Taste of Patriot Place food concourse, a FunFest KidZone with Patriot Experience inflatables, cheerleaders, games, dunk tank, face-painting, contests, King Richard’s Faire players, musical entertainment; the 21+ Cornhole Cantina with beer and wine from Quality Beverage, special observation areas for the public and players, the Ruger VIP Area designated for Matt Light’s former teammates and event VIPs, and the Cardi’s Furniture Championship Round. For the second year in a row, Southeastern Regional Vocational High School students built and designed Cornhole sets that will be raffled off to the highest bidders so that winners can enjoy the game at home, long after Cornhole Commotion. Classmates in the culinary and creative arts program will also help in the food concourse and with face-painting in the KidZone.

Registration is underway for Cornhole Commotion at www.mattlight72.com. Current sponsors include The Kraft Organization, Sports Authority, Cardi’s Furniture, Game Stop, Bud Light, Boston Cornhole, Ruger, 12 Points Wealth, a new local wealth management company, and Patriot Place restaurants.

About the Light Foundation:
The Light Foundation was established in 2001 by 3-Time Super Bowl Champion and 3-Time Pro-Bowler Matt Light. Matt was drafted in 2000 out of Purdue University and became the anchor for the Patriots Offensive Line. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who are capable of passing on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Matt Light received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008 was presented the President's Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised nearly $4 million for various programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.mattlight72.com

###