Richieball

Tickets for the Spoon Bowl are now available to be purchased.  Please head over to http://www.richieball.com/spoonbowl for details!

It is with a heavy heart that we pass along the information regarding the services for Matt’s untimely and tragic passing. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-9 at Schmaedeke Funeral Home located at 10701 S Harlem Avenue in Worth. There will be a prayer service on Thursday at 9am at the Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at 10am at Our Lady of the Woods located at 10731 West 131st Street in Orland Park. Please keep his wife, his daughter, and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Today we lost a Richieball founder, a friend, a brother, and a son.  But most importantly, we lost a Husband and a Father.  Please keep the Stabosz family in your thoughts and prayers.  As information becomes available we will share it with you.  We love you Spoonman. 

Richieball is played rain or shine so bring your favorite umbrella or poncho.  Friends and family are encouraged to bring tents to protect them from the rain.  See you tonight and/or tomorrow. 

Is there a Pre-Richieball gathering this year?

We will be having the pre-party at the Red Velvet Lounge located at 11011 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills.  The party will begin at 7 and go until whenever you’d like to end it.

Can I practice for Richieball?

Absolutely not.  If you do you will be hunted down and suspended for life.

Are there any available spots in the tournament?

Each of the 72 spots is accounted for.  The best way to become a participant in future tournaments is by coming to this year’s Richieball and informing the Council of your desire to play.  The more members on the Council that you can talk to and get to know, the better the chances that you will be able to get into a future tourney. 

Where is Richieball this year?

Richieball 14 is at the same place as last year, White Eagle Woods located in Lyons, IL.  The White Eagle Picnic Grove is located 2 blocks West of Harlem off 40th street.  There is a Marshall’s and a Cardinal Fitness at the small intersection of 40th and Harlem, so keep your eyes open and don’t miss the turn.

How many teams are participating in this year’s tournament?

There will be 72 teams (144 participants) competing in the year’s double elimination tournament.

I am playing in Richieball, what time should I get there?

All teams should be at the grove at 10:30 ready to play.  Any team that is missing at the start of the tournament will be ejected from the tournament and a replacement team will be inserted in their place.  Once a team starts together, they must continue the entire tournament as a team.  There are absolutely no substitutions once a team has started its first game.  Changing players throughout the day will result in suspension.  The Richieball Head Council encourages teams to come earlier than 10:30 to hang out and get an understanding of how the game is set up and how the scheduling works.  It is imperative that every team understands how the schedule works so that we can complete the tournament in a timely manner (before nightfall).  At least one member of your team should be well aware where and when your next match up is.  If a team needs to be tracked down or can not be found, they will forfeit that game.  The most critical thing a team can do on the day of Richieball (besides from showing up) is being aware of when and on what alley your next match up is taking place.

Are my friends and family welcome to the event?

Yes, friends and family are welcome at Richieball, although there are a couple of things to take into consideration:  We have a limited supply of beer, food, and water so don’t bring the entire neighborhood; Anyone consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years of age.  This consequences of providing alcohol to a minor are severe (as everyone is well aware) and we do not want anyone put in a precarious situation.  So once again, anyone consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old.

What does my team’s $60 go towards?

Each teams entry fee is used to pay for the many permits needed to secure the picnic grove, the food, beer, ice, tent rental, water, and the rest is donated at the end of the day to the our charity (along with the proceeds of t-shirt sales and the 50-50 raffle).  Remember, one of the things that makes Richieball unique is that the players pay and the fans come for free.  To date, Richieball has donated nearly $10,000 to charities. 

What should I bring to Richieball?

All sales of the raffle tickets and merchandise benefit the charity, so please bring a few extra bucks to spend.  Other than that, prepare as if you were heading out for a picnic or BBQ (bug-spray, lawn chair, snacks, bottled water, etc).

The Richieball Pre-Party will be held at Red Velvet Lounge located at 11011 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills.  The party will begin at 7 and go until whenever you’d like to end it. 

Happy New Year to all!  Just a friendly reminder that Richieball 14 will be held on Saturday, August 13th, 2011. 

Mark your calendars, book your flights, tell your friends!