Record-Breaking Attendance Expected at Glass Blown Open Disc Golf Tournament

The Glass Blown Open (GBO) disc golf tournament has been making waves in the sports community for years, and this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Taking place from April 26-28 in Emporia, Kansas, the GBO is expecting a record-breaking 1,602 players to attend, surpassing previous attendance records.

The tournament's growth has been nothing short of remarkable since its inception in 2003 by Eric McCabe and Gabe Werly. Initially known as the Emporia Open, the event was transformed into the Glass Blown Open, with high ambitions to bring more people to town and celebrate their community. However, even the creators couldn't have predicted the massive success that would follow.

"We had a vision of bringing more people to town and enjoying our community, but we never thought it would grow to this extent," said McCabe. "To see over 1,600 disc golfers coming to town and playing on 10 different courses is mind-blowing."

The GBO has become one of the largest and most prestigious events in the sport, with a combined National Tour and A-Tier status. The tournament's success can be attributed to its unique blend of competition and community activities. In addition to the main event, attendees can enjoy a bonfire, block party, and numerous other activities that turn the GBO into a truly unforgettable experience.

Tournament Director Doug Bjerkaas is responsible for overseeing the event, which requires a year's worth of planning and a team of 20 course directors. With the help of 50 Dynamic Discs employees and an endless stream of volunteers, the GBO has become a significant economic driver for Emporia, increasing the town's population by 10 percent during the tournament.

The event's success is not limited to its attendance records; the GBO also boasts some of the most challenging courses in the sport. This year, players will be tackling the Emporia Country Club, which has undergone significant changes to make it feel like a true championship-caliber venue. The course features two island greens and two par 4s in the last four holes, ensuring that every shot counts.

The GBO also offers a unique experience for Open Women, who will compete on three different courses throughout the weekend. From the challenging Swope Park at Cottonwood Falls to the well-established Jones East Park and the technical Peter Pan Park, each course presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.

As the GBO continues to grow in popularity, it's clear that this event is one for the ages. With record-breaking attendance expected and a packed schedule of activities, the Glass Blown Open is an experience not to be missed.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/glass-blown-open-shatters-attendance-records