DogDaze Sports Leagues: 20/30-Somethings have moved on from Kickball, now it's time for Bocce.

May 6, 2010 - PRLog -- -

What: Rec League for those who enjoy throwing things at other things.
Where: Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, more cities to come.
Who: Happy Hour friendly 20 & 30 somethings (co-ed).
Details: Bocce, Horseshoes, Cornhole, Ladder Toss, Frisbeer, and other “tailgate” games.  Leagues take place at local parks and beaches.  Typical start time is 6:30pm.  The season lasts 7 weeks.  Play for an hour, then go to the bar for as long as you like.
More Info: http://www.thedayofgames.com

My first week at DogDaze and we play Bocce!?  By Eli Tirosh

“How tough could it possibly be?” I overheard as I walked toward the group. “You throw the big ball at the little white ball.”

Patrick Menerey was explaining the basics of bocce ball to one of his teammates who had never heard of the game.  Admittedly, although I had heard of it, I wasn’t too sure of the rules and I generally associated it with old people wearing all white.

This was the first day of the 7-week league and bocce was the first “leisure sport” we were to compete in.  I had signed up for the Marina del Rey - DogDaze Leisure Sports League not knowing what to expect but my ultimate goal was to have some fun after work.  Thankfully, this particular rec-league did not disappoint, and it turns out bocce ball really is that simple – just heave the large ball at the little one.

My team ended up being paired against Patrick’s for the bocce games.  He had joined after receiving an email forwarded from a friend.

“A buddy thought of me after reading a subject line mentioning ‘Happy Hours’ and ‘Leisure Sports’ – it sounded too good to be true” Menerey explained. “I had been playing in a local softball league, and had heard about kickball leagues, and dodgeball leagues, but this was something that instantly sounded awesome.”

Founded in Venice Beach, CA by some beach loving buddies, The Day of Games operates DogDaze Leisure Sports Leagues in cities across the United States.  The first two leagues started on the beaches of Los Angeles and San Diego in 2009, but others have sprung up that feature parks as the meeting location instead of the soft Southern California sand.

Sand or grass, the routine is the same.  People register for the league online (either individually, with a friend, or with a complete team).  The games start at 6:30pm.  Teams of 3 to 6 play against each other, throwing cornhole bags, horseshoes, bocce balls, or whatever the game is. Each week the game changes to a different leisure sport.

The games are all so simple that the company even promotes the fact that there is “No actual athletic ability required… although it doesn’t hurt.”

“This league exists for guys and girls to have a good time, meet other young people, and have a crew to head to the bar with” said Brent Wagner, a spokesperson for The Day of Games.  “It provides a much-needed break for those stuck in a cubicle all week.  Once Wednesday rolls around, the league participants have something to look forward to.”

For about an hour the teams compete, enjoy the fresh air, and chat with one another.  Once the games wrap up, the entire group walks down the street to a bar for some food and drinks.  The bar portion isn’t part of the official DogDaze league but it seems only fitting to join for at least a beer or two.

“I love relaxing outside with these guys” said Jordan Wilson, a fairly skilled horseshoes thrower, “but hanging out at the bar is just as much fun.  It doesn’t hurt that the DogDaze league manager will randomly buy a pitcher of beer for us!”  The age restriction for the league is 21 years old for this reason.  

Even though there is no alcohol connected to the tailgate games, The Day of Games encourages league participants to visit the sponsor bar – and will even show up and buy a round or two.

Registration is now open and will stay open until the season starts. Sign-ups take place at http://www.thedayofgames.com. The DogDaze cities for 2010 are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and New York.

“I’ve met some fun people and I can’t wait until the next season starts” said Menerey. “I hope the teams next year are just as cool as the first DogDaze.”

Menerey has gone from DogDaze player to DogDaze player/league manager.  He now runs the league in Marina del Rey, CA.

“Hope to see you back this Spring!”

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About The Day of Games:

http://www.thedayofgames.com
Leisure sports products, leagues, and other awesome stuff.