Participants in the Cornhole League organized by Silly Sports gathered on a Tuesday in New York City to play and socialize, aiming to make connections. Tommy Flaim, determined to attract more men to join the singles league, took a unique approach by offering a bounty of fifty dollars to anyone who referred their straight single friends. This marketing tactic has proven successful, with over 100 participants attending the New York City event this week. Flaim initially launched the league in Chicago in November, and it has since sold out events in 20 cities. In-person dating events, known as “IRL” (in real life), have become increasingly popular post-Covid-19, as many singles are fatigued by dating apps.
The speed-dating event for singles took place at the Lawn Club in Manhattan’s financial district. While alternative methods such as speed-dating events or run clubs are emerging to facilitate in-person connections, organizers have faced challenges in attracting enough single men to achieve a balanced gender ratio. Flaim acknowledges the disparity in attendance between genders and emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for male participants.
The concept for the league arose when Flaim sought to utilize the cornhole equipment at a bar during weekdays. Recognizing the desire among singles for real-life interactions, he transitioned from running a pickleball league to establishing a cornhole league. Cornhole, a casual lawn game that requires minimal athleticism, offers an opportunity for singles to socialize and rotate partners over several weeks.
Despite implementing various marketing strategies, Flaim expresses the ongoing difficulty in recruiting male participants across different cities. He observes a greater willingness among women to try unconventional dating activities compared to men, who often require additional incentives. As a gay man unfamiliar with heterosexual dating dynamics, Flaim empathizes with women navigating the challenges of modern dating.
At the recent event held at Lawn Club, friends Jeniea Howard and Lacey Smith joined forces, both seeking genuine connections in the dating scene. Inspired by Flaim’s TikTok videos, Howard and Smith, who have struggled to meet serious dating prospects, found the league to be a refreshing change. They engaged with other participants, highlighting the appeal of in-person events for building meaningful relationships amidst the digital dating landscape.
Howard observed a curious dynamic among men seeking relationships – they desire a connection but are wary of appearing too eager or being tied down hastily. Many men, even on dating apps, claim they are still unsure of their desires when in reality, they yearn for a relationship but are hesitant to admit it. Smith empathizes with men’s nervousness, acknowledging her own struggles with dating habits. Both women found the cornhole league to be a laid-back environment, regardless of whether they found a match.
Dating coach Stevie Bowen noted the increasing popularity of dating events and the reluctance of men to participate. Some of her male clients have been hesitant to take the plunge, feeling vulnerable about expressing their interest in finding a partner. Bowen encourages her clients to view these events as opportunities for personal growth and social interaction. She believes that practice leads to improvement in dating and meeting new people in real life.
Thirty-one-year-old Everardo Montoya discovered the cornhole league through a friend and decided to attend the event to break away from the monotony of dating apps. Despite being introverted, Montoya found the event enjoyable and stress-free, knowing that everyone present shared the same goal of finding a connection. Similarly, Joe Wilhelm, 31, initially skeptical about joining a speed-dating league, found the interactions at the event to be easy and natural, despite his initial reservations. He recognized that men may be reluctant to step out of their comfort zones but found the experience rewarding once they did.
“Everyone I’ve met here knows how to socialize, but I believe that today’s generation is lacking in this skill,” expressed Wilhelm. “Everything seems to revolve around screens for communication. That’s why I appreciate the revival of traditional dating and meeting people naturally.”
This week, over 100 individuals attended a speed dating event at the Lawn Club. Silly Sports has successfully hosted similar events in 20 cities, with each one selling out.
