A new take on outdoor lawn games is sliding into Amarillo with a purpose.
The inaugural Medals vs. Badges Pitch’N Slide tournament will take place Friday, June 20, at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The family-friendly event aims to raise funds for the War Memorial while giving veterans, first responders and the community a chance to connect over a fast-growing game invented by Amarillo resident and Army recruiter John Steele.
Pitch’N Slide is a new lawn game that combines elements of cornhole, Plinko and even Skee-Ball. Players take turns tossing bean bags toward an angled board that has five slots along the bottom and a shelf near the top. Each slot is worth a different number of points, with the top shelf being the highest.
Unlike cornhole, where only one team can score each round, both teams can earn points on the same turn. If both teams land bags in the same slot, those cancel out. Any unmatched bags count toward a team’s score. The game continues until a team reaches or exceeds 50 points.
The game uses standard cornhole bags, and players alternate turns from opposite sides, just like in cornhole. The scoring system is designed to keep things competitive and inclusive for all ages — from kids learning math to adults who enjoy backyard competition.
Steele, who has served 26 years in the Army, said the game was inspired by his desire to play something fun and accessible with his children — who were between ages 5 and 12 at the time — as well as with fellow soldiers during backyard gatherings.
“I wanted something that would bridge generations,” Steele said. “A game the kids, parents and grandparents could all enjoy together.”
The tournament will feature 64 two-person teams, with at least one veteran, active-duty service member or first responder required on each team. Registration is $35 per team, and all proceeds will benefit the Texas Panhandle War Memorial.
The top team will win $500, with $250 awarded to second place and $100 for third. Additional gift baskets donated by local sponsors will be awarded throughout the event.
Food trucks, drink vendors and Amarillo’s own Smokeasy mobile cigar lounge will be on site. Entry is free for spectators.
The event is sponsored by Hero’s Home Care, with additional sponsorship opportunities available. Those interested in signing up or learning more can visit www.pitchnslide.com and click on the “Events” tab. The game and event are also featured on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @pitchnslide.
Steele said he is excited to introduce Pitch’N Slide to more people in Amarillo and hopes to one day bring it to stores nationwide.
“Everywhere I take it, people love it,” he said. “They say it’s more fun than cornhole because everyone can play and everyone can score.”
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial is located at 4111 S. Georgia St. in Amarillo.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Fundraiser to feature Pitch’N Slide, a mix of cornhole, Plinko and Skee-Ball
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
