North Side Gym, Elkhart -- Site of the Lions Dodgeball Spectacle
North Side Gym was the nation’s largest high school gymnasium when it was built in the late 50s. Over the years it saw plenty of Hoosier Hysteria as Elkhart captured a good share of state basketball championships. In the early days of professional wrestling, big names like Dick the Bruiser were regulars here, along with the Harlem Globetrotters and numerous big-name rock bands.
Next April, North Side will host its first-ever midwest dodgeball tournament — the Lions Dodgeball Spectacle. Up to 32 co-ed teams will compete for cash prizes, registration in the NADA adult nationals and of course, GLORY!
We will be uploading registration forms and other info just as soon as our legal-eagle gives us the OK. Here are a few details to help your planning.
Registration is $150.00 per team of up to 10 (ten) players if you register before January 1, 2010. After that, it’s $175.00 — still a good deal and under $20/player. There are only 32 slots in the bracket, so it’s best to register early.
This is an NADA sanctioned tournament, and we’ll play by NADA rules. It’s also co-ed. All teams must have three female players who START. You can have up to ten players on the team for substitutions, but only six play at a time. More rules and info can be found at the NADA website. Players must be at least 18 years old and be able to prove it with picture ID on tournament day (we’ll be checking). There will be a captains’ meeting the night before the tournament to review rules, regs and procedures (it’ll be a fun time too.)
One more thing: There is room for oodles of spectators in this facility. If you’re a player, bring your friends, bring your neighbors, bring the whole dang family and make a day of it!
All proceeds from Lions Dodgeball Spectacle will help Elkhart Lions and Lions International’s work to help the blind and visually impaired around the world. So not only is it a great event, it’s a great cause, too.
More news to come — practice up and stay tuned!
