Bocce and brews provide escape from winter in Asheville

Bocce, beer and banter. That’s the intoxicating new blend putting smiles on people’s faces this winter at Hi-Wire Brewing’s RAD Beer Garden in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Asheville Bocce Club has launched a winter league at the brewery, with the help of two portable bocce ball courts from Packaworld.

Hi-Wire Brewing Co-Founder Chris Frosaker says the new inflatable courts are being used in the indoor area at Hi-Wire’s newest location, which functions as a distribution centre and features a large beer garden constructed from up-cycled shipping containers.

“While the beer garden is great in summer, the venue is also ideal for a winter indoor bocce league due to its sheer size – 28,000 square feet,” Chris says. “There is a lot of space to spread out and do something unique.”

The brewery is well-known for its warm atmosphere and “wild variety of beers for every taste”, ranging from lagers, IPAs and stouts to barrel aged sours.

Asheville Bocce Club President David Pope says the new bocce league games are held every Thursday night across four seasons, each of which runs for 11 or 12 weeks.

The competition is already attracting a lot of interest, and that’s only likely to increase now that players can enjoy Hi-Wire brews on tap while they play, he says.

“Our membership has grown from 40 to 85 members in just two seasons, and I think we will have many more new players by the spring or summer season."

David grew up with bocce and says the league has been his way of sharing his love of the sport with others in North Carolina.

"My grandfather taught me the game, and our family would always play whenever we would go to visit him. I have played in bocce leagues myself, so I decided to start one here in Asheville this year when things began to reopen.

“I think many people who may have never played before would love the chance to play the game.”

The new Packabocce courts were portable and a big hit with players, making them a useful asset when bringing the game to new locations, he says.

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said it was outstanding to see the courts helping to bring bocce ball to places where people might not have otherwise been able to play.

“It’s great to see our Packabocce courts helping league organisers bring bocce ball to more breweries and hospitality venues across the US,” he says.

“Bocce brings people together – something we’re all crying out for in these strange times. It’s the perfect complement to a great night out with friends.”