Kubb Open set for Beloit Aug. 10

BELOIT - Pohlman Field once again will be hosting teams who will hurling blocks of wood and batons in the annual Kubb Open tournament on Saturday, Aug. 10.

So far, 32 teams have signed up for the tournament in Beloit, with team names such as Ice Kubbs, Scooby Kubby Doo, BaraKubba and Kubbra Kai.

Savanna Schindler, public relations specialist for Visit Beloit, said teams still can sign up for the tournament up until Friday, Aug. 9.

Kubb is a game that is gaining in popularity across the nation. Kubb sets are sold online and more and more people are playing the game in their back yards.

The object of the game is to knock over the opposing team's kubbs - wood blocks that are set up on the field of play. Once the kubbs are knocked over, the blocks are collected and set back up on the field. A team wins when a player knocks over all the kubbs, as well as the King Kubb in a single turn.

There are differing stories of where the game originated. Some players say the game was first played by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. Others say the game started in Sweden about 100 years ago. Regardless of where it started, the current popularity of the game is unmistakable. People who used to play croquet, bocce ball or lawn darts now are exploring kubb as a family fun pastime.

Schindler said there will be $1,400 in prize money split between the first, second and third place teams in the tournament.

Play will begin around 9 a.m. at Pohlmn Field in Telfer Park at 2101 Cranston Road. Play will continue through qualifying rounds and bracket play and the tournament is expected to wind up around 5 p.m.

Visit Beloit runs the tournament along with event organizer Dan Ivanuck.

The tournament will welcome players and spectators.

"People can still cheer on their teams from the sidelines," Schindler said.

Food and beverages will be sold by the Beloit Youth Hockey Association. Also, kubb tournament merchandise is being sold by Walnut Creek Apparel and Gifts in Beloit. Merchandise includes T-shirts, sweat shirts, water bottles and more.

For more information or to register a team visit the Visit Beloit website at https://visitbeloit.com/kubb/.