Baltimore Ravens swoop in for backyard bocce at Stratosphere Social

It doesn’t require quite the same degree of strength and athleticism as an NFL match, but even pro athletes like to branch out and unwind some days. What better way to do it than with a few hotly contested games of bocce ball? That’s exactly what the Baltimore Ravens did for a teambuilding event at Stratosphere Social earlier this month.

The bar and community event venue offers bocce ball using portable courts from Packaworld in its “indoor backyard” social space in Eldersburg, Maryland. The 24,000 square-foot venue has an arcade, bowling alley, cornhole, giant Jenga, restaurant, and a fully licensed bar.

“Stratosphere Social is one of a kind,” says Bryan Zuber, owner of the family entertainment center and event venue.

“There really wasn’t anything like it in the Carroll County area for the community to come together. It’s our mission to create a destination for all ages that builds community and lasting memories in a clean, safe, fun and friendly environment.  

“I believe we have truly built a destination that people can create those memorable moments and a place to call their second home.  My staff has really gotten to know our guests, it has been great to watch our guests create new friendships.”

The “indoor backyard” portion of the space has thick artificial grass, speakers, a privacy fence, and backyard-themed accents, such as red brick décor, a wall-mounted garden hose and windows with flower boxes.

Bryan says the backyard concept has proven popular for private events – like the Baltimore Ravens team-building day – with the many games and activities bringing a fun, interactive element to functions that can otherwise be stiff and boring. Since its launch at the end of last year, the space has hosted corporate holiday parties, networking events, surprise birthday parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, a Super Bowl party, and more.

When not booked, the space is open to the public, with cornhole and bocce sets and courts for rent.

 “[Bocce] is starting to build a real following of its own,” Bryan says. “It’s a great social game for the private events. We’ve even had a few groups travel from over an hour away just to play bocce.”

Bocce ball is a social game best played with a beverage in hand – for balance’s sake, let’s say. It’s an ideal activity for groups of friends and family that want to have a laugh and share a few stories.

The problem with traditional bocce courts is they tend to only exist in parks, housed by permanent structures. Potential bocce games then require a court in the local area, and are at the mercy of the weather and daylight.

Packaworld’s easy-to-use portable courts remove such problems, and can be used indoors, as well as outdoors, making night bocce a possibility. This appeals to a younger crowd, who are often looking for a fun, social activity to weave into their night out.

The courts can be inflated and set up to game ready in minutes, then packed up and stored with minimal fuss once the games are done.

“We chose bocce because it’s unique and is a social sport that seemed to fit perfectly into our vision for the Backyard,” Bryan says. “This product met our needs because it was easy to move and accommodate our guests and their needs, while making the space more convertible when need be.”

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts congratulated Stratosphere Social on its vision and success bringing more bocce ball to Maryland.

“Whether you’re a pro athlete like the Baltimore Ravens players or a just a group of friends looking to have fun on the weekend, bocce has the power to bring people together,” he says.

“We are excited to see more venues across the US using our portable Packabocce courts to create a point of difference and bring the joy of sport to their patrons.

> Want more information about our portable bocce courts? Visit our Packabocce product page.