Bocce rules the streets every Thursday in Chicago’s West Loop

There’s a new social sport on the block, and it’s sweeping the USA as people look for fresh ways to get together and connect.

Bocce ball is on the rise and the weekly league in the Chicago West Loop parking lot, out front of Stelios Bottles and Bites, provides some of the surest evidence of the sport’s growth.

Exuding a festival-like atmosphere in the lot beside Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower, the league gathers 32 teams – of four players each – every Thursday night.

The league is one of eight summer leagues being run by American Bocce Co across multiple venues, with around 500 people competing – the highest number since American Bocce Co leagues began in 2016.

“It’s in the middle of the city, in a giant parking lot. It’s super approachable, accessible, community-focused... what’s not to like?” says Alex Gara, President of American Bocce Co.

“We’ve always been here, we’ve always been doing this, but people are ready to get out and meet people, connect through bocce. It’s a great sport to engage with people. It’s just easy. It’s approachable.”

The portable bocce courts that make the parking-lot league possible are supplied by Packaworld. They are quick to inflate and setup and their compact nature means they are a breeze to store or transport.

“The courts allow us to pop up at unique places like this,” Gara says. “We’re not beholden to a park or a club. We can set up in the parking lot of the West Loop, we can set up on the 60th floor of the Sears Tower, rooftops, restaurant patios, cruise ships... anywhere, basically.”

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts congratulated American Bocce Co on its imagination, fresh approach and success inspiring a new generation of bocce players.

On hand to experience the West Loop league first hand during its most recent match night, Roberts says it’s easy to see what the appeal is.

“There’s a real festival atmosphere – food trucks, drinks and a real passion for bocce from all involved.

“We are stoked to be working with the American Bocce Co, a partner with a vision we share, to help introduce more and more people to the excitement and social aspects of a great community-focused sport.

Video: Bocce at Stelios, Chicago West Loop

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