Summer means outdoor recreation, backyard barbecues and lazy afternoons on the beach. It also means grown-ups getting together to have a good time. Recently, the centuries-old game of bocce has become a part of many people’s good time. It’s not for old Italian men anymore; Cities from coast to coast are playing host to informal, community bocce leagues. Why not join or start a league in your hometown today? It’s simpler than you think, and highly rewarding.
Registration for bocce leagues across the nation is underway. Check out some of the hottest, most popular leagues in the country, right here:
Atlanta Bocce League
Atlanta, Hotlanta, ATL, whatever you want to call it, it’s one of the hippest and most cosmopolitan urban centers in the South. No surprise, then, that Atlanta is also home to one of the most successful city bocce leagues in the country. The Atlanta Bocce League keeps getting stronger, and looks to build on their success this summer. You can register for the league online until May 31. Summer league play begins on June 10. Head over to the league’s Facebook page for lots of cool pics and other information.
Major League Bocce: Philadelphia
Yes, that’s right: Major League Bocce is now a reality. Formerly known as DC Bocce, the founders of MLB wanted to expand their reach into other East Coast markets. Do you need to be a chiseled athlete who’s trained with bocce balls for years? Absolutely not. Major League Bocce has returned to Philadelphia for a second year after establishing quite a following in 2011. Penn Park and Jefferson Square Park are the competition sites this time around. Registration for spring closes on May 2. Sign up for the league mailing list to learn about upcoming sessions.
Major League Bocce: Boston
Boston has always been a great sports city. In 2012, you can add bocce to the list of great summer activities in Beantown. Registration for the spring session of MLB Boston is closing on Thursday, May 3. Boston Deals even has a coupon for 50 percent savings off the cost of registration. So, for $30 you can enjoy six weeks of fun and games, cool people, and great specials on food and beer. Major League Bocce will even make a donation to charity on behalf of the city’s winning bocce team. How’s that for a perfect spring in one of America’s best cities?
Somerset County, New Jersey
Competition in the Adult Bocce League of Somerset County, New Jersey, starts on Tuesday, May 1. The deadline for registration is April 30. The league will consist of a six-week season followed by playoffs and a championship. All matches will be held at the Colonial Park bocce courts. Even if you don’t join the league, you should definitely check out the action. Not every city park can boast of eight professional bocce courts.
