TailGate Gamers

Take me out to the ballgame!

2010-08-18T19:38:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a great story! For a game I love to watch, could not imagine not being able to see the players shifts, argue calls, turn a double play, diving catch, home run and even the simpliest grounder to short and throw to first base. Thank you God for giving me the ability to watch this great American game.

Watch the clip here of the blind Yankee fan!

World Series Prediction?

2010-08-07T13:15:00.006-05:00

So the blazing hot August days are here, which means a couple of things:

State Fair time in the state of Iowa (theme this year is Non Stop Fun, maybe it should be Non Stop Sweating)
If the Cubs aren't at the top of the NL Central at this point, they won't be come October (could have probably predicted this around the 4th of July)
NFL Training Camps are in full swing (see the Packers for details)

Looking at the Major League Baseball standings, did Lyndsey predict a World Series matchup with her cornhole game order? Los Angeles Dodgers and the Minnesota Twins? We'll have to wait and see . . .

Notre Dame Fighting Irish!

2010-07-29T07:00:00.010-05:00

Golden Domers! I actually had TWO orders for Notre Dame corn hole game boards. These were actually fun to do. Used gold spray paint for the first time, and wanted to make the boards look like the Fighting Irish helmets. Tried to get a touchdown Jesus, but have a feeling Dan and Carla (those who ordered these) would not find the humor. And you know what made the games even better? The navy and kelly green bags! Sweet! Now to see how they do for the season! (The Notre Dame football team, not the Notre Dame bags game - we know that will fare well!)

NFL Preseason Already?!?

2010-07-26T18:50:00.007-05:00

Can you believe that in less than one month the NFL pre-season games start? Wow - summer flies. Haven't been reading too much on my team, the Green Bay Packers, lately, but did anyone read about the Cowboy's #1 draft pick? Dez's "no I'm not going to play those rookie games" attitude at training camp? C'mon, you're a ROOKIE!

Anyway, also looking forward to seeing how the Denver Broncos will do this year, since Tebow will probably keep people watching (and since Orton is an Iowa boy!). And speaking of that, take a look at these Bronco colored cornhole bag game Jeremy ordered from Littleton! Neat colors, and I did learn something. Always thought the Denver Broncos colors were Navy and Orange. Actually more of a dark, dark purple. Cool!

Black Friday Cornhole Deals!

2009-11-25T07:21:00.009-06:00

Well, I did it. Got up this morning at 4am and ventured in with the crowds. The goal was to get one gift for the in-laws (to be described later). So we divided and conquered. Or at least I conquered. Got the gift, fought the crowds, and was back on the in-laws couch by 6am. At the current time of 9am, my wife is still out with the crowds. I just got up and will be enjoying a little breakfast.

Ya know, since my wife always does the "Black Friday Best Deals" shopping excursion with her family, I figured I would post the closest thing to a Black Friday Cornhole Deal as I could. And showoff the latest game style creation!

So those of us with more of an "on-line" shopping bug, I will be offering the "custom" games (as seen in most of these blog posts) for $129.99 plus shipping (and tax, if applicable). This deal will only run until December 5th, so order soon!

Strike or Spare? Bowling for Clones!

2009-11-18T19:29:00.008-06:00

Are the Cyclones going bowling? So the "experts" are either saying Texas Bowl for the Iowa State Cyclones in Houston, Texas or the Independence Bowl for the ISU Cyclones. Which will it be? Either way, Coach Rhodes has done a great first year job at Iowa State! Can't complain!

So take a look at my own Iowa State Cyclone Cornhole Game. You know, this is the first one I ever made (over 2 years ago), so I repainted and relogoed it this fall for tailgating up in Ames! And, of course, tailgating at home!

Everyone have a great weekend! Root on all the Iowa teams! Go Hawkeyes, Cyclones and Panthers and order your Cornhole Toss Tailgate game before the holiday rush!

Iowa State Cyclones - Texas A M Aggies Matchup

2009-10-24T18:17:00.003-05:00

Wow! Iowa State beat Nebraska with 8 . . . yes 8 turnovers! What a great defensive game! More like a baseball score (9-7), but still a big old W for the Cyclones!

Now, the dilemma for the Haywood household next weekend. Well, no real dilemma, Erik will root for Texas A&M Aggies and Tracy will cheer on the Iowa State Cyclones. But who will Landon (their newest addition) be dressed to impress? Any bets? My money in on some Aggie wear. We'll see on Saturday at 230pm! Go Cyclones!

But one thing for sure, we know Cornhole Games will be happening. Whether games will be outdoors or in the garage all depends on the weather!

Oh say can you see!

2009-10-07T19:51:00.003-05:00

Just finished sending out three of these types of red, blue and silver custom games. One to Ashley in Arlington, VA and two to Margaret in Bowling Green, VA. I must be super popular in Virginia! Thanks Ashley and Margaret!

Personally, I love the silver stripe!

Been a busy football and fall season so far and thanks again for the orders!

Wow! If it is real!

2009-09-22T21:22:00.002-05:00

Now this is cool! Go Aggies! I watched this a couple of times, and only thing I can see is the curve of the basketball. But the FORCE of the ball hitting the backboard and rim makes me think that it might be the real thing! So look at the link in the comments section and order your Aggie cornhole game and throw one from the upper deck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W77uk1ejcpY&feature=player_embedded

T-minus 10 seconds and counting . . .

2009-06-29T22:34:00.006-05:00

So I get a call from NASA (yes, that NASA) about a corn hole game. They were asking such questions as how do they actually come primed, can they put their own logo on them, weight and contents of the corn bags, etc. So I figure they are going to put one on the next shuttle trip and run some whacky zero-gravity tests. Not quite. They are using it as part of a kids program and will be placing a decal of the moon on one cornhole board and Mars on the other cornhole board. Disappointed? No way! I actually have a cornhole bags game board at NASA! How cool it that?

And I haven't thanked those with orders in awhile, so a BIG thanks to Dennis, Tyler, Heather, Michael, Travis and Holly, Margaret, Steven and last but not least, the folks at NASA!

It ain't easy bein' green

2009-06-29T12:34:00.008-05:00

Ya know, it really isn't that bad. Someone asked about my material waste on producing these cornhole game boards, so I decided to see how much waste I actually had in manufacturing one set of regulation cornhole games. Surprisingly, I am holding the "waste" from one whole corn hole game set. And since I have an outdoor fire pit in my backyard, these come in handy to start up the fire for a relaxing evening! Here is what else we at TailgateGamers do to stay "green":

Shop the Habitat for Humanity Restore for "used" paint - you wouldn't imagine what bright colors people decide to have mixed, then realize they don't quite work in the house

Have the lumberyard cut the plywood to needed dimensions - fits better in the truck (no wind drag) and saves me some time and energy (they do up to six cuts for free!)

Shop the Restore for hinges, screws, etc. - although the type I use for the corn hole game are few and far between, every once-in-a-while there will be some I can use

Buy in bulk - I buy the screws, nails, hinges and glue in bulk, and even recycle the containers

Utilize "used" brushes for the priming job - the newer the brush for the final coats, the better, but the older brushes work great for the primer coat of paint

Errands all at once - I try to combine a trip to UPS to mail a corn hole game with a trip to the hardware store for supplies - saves a few miles each time!

So, it may be easy to be a little green! Hi-de-ho Kermit the Frog here!

Details, details . . .

2009-06-29T12:26:00.003-05:00

Who needs details? We all do! Look at this great job Tyler did on the cornhole game boards! Those Buckeyes would be proud. Tyler ordered a primed regulation size game board, and look at the great job he did with The Ohio State University details. (Notice I even had "details" enough to capitalize "The".) Thanks for the awesome pictures Tyler!

Iowa State - Doing It "Old School"

2009-06-17T21:42:00.005-05:00

Check out the "old school" logo for Iowa State Cyclones on the corn hole game! I personally think this logo was the best one they had, followed closely by the twister with Iowa State on top. (Remember when they used to wear yellow or red helmets to signify they were either doing good at football or in the classroom? Those were the days when we could actually BEAT Colorado and Kansas!)

So what does everyone think of the stellar job Jamie Pollard is doing (~sarcasm~)! Somedays that guy amazes me with his stupidity. Well, most days.

The Artist in me . . .

2009-05-28T09:30:00.004-05:00

South Side! Did these custom Iowa Hawkeye cornhole game boards for South Des Moines Chamber fundraising event. What a good time! Great food and great music! Got to bid on a bunch of neat packages and talked with many business owners and south side folks.

This creation brought out a little more creativity in me - seeing that I didn't want to rely on the old standard one big stripe style. I decided to do "pin stripes" on one cornhole game and a corner design on the other. Turned out pretty good, I think!

Stay tuned for the next blog post - an "old school" Iowa State cornhole game!

Do you want that to go?

2009-05-11T15:19:00.004-05:00

So what is the difference between the travel size cornhole game and the regulation size cornhole game? Only about 12 inches of plywood and 2x3s. I keep getting this question, and thought it would be a good idea to show the difference.

I personally have the travel size, since I use it to tailgate at the I-Cubs games, college football games, MLB games and NFL games. However, if you are one who will only occasionally take the game somewhere and you want the regulation (official) size of cornhole game, then the regulation size is what you probably want. Travel size is 2 feet by 3 feet and fits very well in the trunk of a car or back of your SUV. Regulation size is 2 feet by 4 feet and is a little heavier (of course) and more difficult to get into your car or SUV (although it can be done!). We make both sizes to collapse and hinge lock with a rope handle for ease of transportation and storage.

So, do you want that to go? See us at http://www.tailgategamers.com/ for your cornhole needs!

Inside Look at Brett Favre's Office

2009-02-05T19:29:00.004-06:00

Friends and family have asked to see the new office setup. Well, here it is. Can you guess my favorite player? Only the all-time leading in many NFL records. Again we come to the time of year when players decide to hang it up or play again. I really don't care which way he goes, and where he goes. He will always be a Packer! I can still remember watching the game when he came in for the Majik man. "Who is the Fave-Ray guy? Crap, there goes the season and probably getting to the Superbowl in the next ten years." Well, only a few short years later we won back the Lombardi Trophy.

So the wife makes fun of my ACTION FIGURES!! (She calls them dolls - not very funny). It is amazing the quality they come in. And the photos and tribute magazines I all bought up in Wisconsin when I was up there last April, when he first retired. I actually have a plaque that lists his "career achievements" but only though the 2007 season. Maybe a collectors "error" item in the future?

Thanks and keep up with the updates on the cornhole games at http://www.tailgategamers.com/! Thanks!

Hut! Hut! Hike!

2009-01-30T20:12:00.005-06:00

Boy, if this weather doesn't make one want spring to come, I don't know what does! Supposed to get up to 40+ tomorrow, so HEAT WAVE! Getting ready for a great Superbowl weekend, and I am torn between who to root for. My favorite team is the Packers, and as well all know, they were out about week 12 of the season. My #2 team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, but my college alumni QB is Kurt Warner. You know, all I really want is a good game. Perfect scenario would be Arizona down by 4 points with less than 2 minutes to play. We'll see who will win - best defense against a quick strike offense. Go _ _ _ _ e r (s)! Fill in the blanks! Ha ha!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2008-12-19T08:22:00.002-06:00

The last game of the year went out the door last night, so we are shutting down the cornhole factory for the rest of the holiday season! I have requested pictures from people who have gotten the games and are giving them for a Christmas present (you know who you are) to see the look on everyone's faces. Stay tuned for some great photos! Here is the last game of 2008:

Thanks to Margaret, Leland, Steven and especially Tracy for the recent orders. And thanks everyone for the great year!

Now I get to go out and battle the 3 inches of sleet we got last night, then to KC for a much needed break!

Top Ten Cornhole Bag Game Designs

2008-12-06T12:21:00.004-06:00

Top Ten Cornhole Custom Design Orders (2008 so far):

10. Kansas State Wildcats

9. Texas A&M

8. Arkansas Razorbacks

7. Nebraska Cornhuskers

6. Chicago Bears

5. Northern Iowa Panthers

4. Wisconsin Badgers

3. Chicago Cubs

2. Iowa Hawkeyes

1. IOWA STATE CYCLONES!

There is still some time to get your custom cornhole game orders in before Xmas deadline! Contact me via the website for your cornhole order!

Gobble! Gobble!

2008-11-30T21:04:00.004-06:00

Whew! What a great weekend! We had my wife's family up from Trenton, Illinois. They arrived late on Wednesday, after a 6-7 hour drive (though St. Louis). All eight of them! They stayed at our house, and utilized our 3 air mattresses well. In fact, Jen and I had our air matress in the living room, and slept by the fire every night with our Weimerainer Hector. We scarificed our bed to her brother and his family, which was the best idea.

Thanksgiving day was filled with deep frying two turkeys (yumm!) and eating all the traditional food. I know some of you think that deep frying a turkey sounds unhealthy and weird, but it is one of the better ways to prepare a turkey, and it seals in the moisture so well! Peanut oil is the preferred type of oil (and the easiest to buy in bulk) and can be reused a couple of times. At cooking the bird for only 5 minutes a pound, our 12-14 pound turkeys took just over an hour each.

The men took a trip up to northern Iowa Saturday, while the ladies kept shopping. I was shocked they still wanted more shopping after Friday, but each to themselves. On our trip to northern Iowa, we stopped at the Family Table Restaurant in Eagle Grove. I thought I was sick of holiday pie, but when my father-in-law order a piece with Blue Bunny ice cream, I had to do the same. Blueberry! Boy was it good! Nice decision Gary!

Now with our weekend ended, we have a little time to ourselves (and a lot of cleaning up and leftovers!) We had a great time and plan to do the same next year.

I am sure this is similar to a lot of stories out there, and we soon realize time flies when spending time with family and friends. That is all for my quick moment of reflection. Happy Holidays everyone!

Bucky Badger to a Bowl?

2008-11-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

On Wisconsin! This weekend the Badgers may become bowl eligible! Let's hope so! These games are going down to Arkansas to Mark and Patty! I know they will get put to good use over the holidays.

And how about that Hawkeye victory over the Nitny Lions? I personally think the BCS is a joke, so the more teams that don't go undefeated, the better. I would love to see 2-3 teams that are undefeated (Utah, Boise State, Ball State) stay that way and then NOT be invited to the championship. Just isn't fair.

Anyway, thanks to Heather, Michelle, Ryan and Keith for their orders! And for those of you thinking winter is coming, it's here in Iowa. So we'll be playing cornhole in the garage until thaw!

You can do it!

2008-10-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

Well, the Iowa State Cyclones Football season is not going quite as well as we would like. However, that doesn't mean we can't have fun tailgating!

Just try this on your cornhole game. Ok - maybe not. I don't want any of you to hurt yourselves, especially on the department store brand "wimpy" games.

Thanks to Tim, Art, Matt and Robert for their recent orders!

Enjoy and keep TAILGATING!!!

Wooooooo. Pig. Sooie!

2008-09-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

Great set of Arkansas Razorback Cornhole Games! Big game this weekend against Alabama Crimson Tide! In doing the research, I found out the proper hog call (this link includes AUDIO!)

Barry, a freind of mine is a die hard Tide fan, so he would probably make me defile these games, so I am getting them out via UPS before the game this weekend.

Thanks for everyone who has been asking question on our great customized products.

Thanks to Mike, Amber, Derek, Scott and especially Holly for their recent orders!!

2008-09-09T20:59:00.005-05:00

What better game to play in cornhusker country than cornhole? Go Big Red! University of Nebraska Cornhusker Cornhole Game looks great! The basic white board with a BIG RED N!

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last blog. Well, a lot has gone on since then! We are getting ready for the annual Iowa-Iowa State game this weekend, and bringing the lucky bags game from last year to keep the luck running (GO STATE!) One of the other customers from in town is also bringing his Iowa State Cornhole game, so maybe a tournament? Last year it was 3 Cyclone fans and roughly 15 Hawkeye fans. I believe this year we may be running close to 50/50!

On the dinner schedule is some deep fried turkey, brats, and beer. Yumm! And Christi always does a great job of food prep and keeping us laughing! Can't wait!

Buttin' Heads

2008-08-15T16:28:00.006-05:00

How's about this for some family (or friend) tension? And at a family reunion! The lucky owner let me know that these games are going to be used at a family outing soon! Who will win?

I can hear it now - "In the red corner, sporting the new Iowa State Cyclone logo, the Iowa State Cornhole game! In the black corner, proudly wearing the tigerhawk, the University of Iowa Hawkeye Cornhole game!"

And it raises a philosophical question: So is it better to throw the bags at your team or at the enemy?