The NES News: Issue #1 - Cheers to 3 Years (and 1 at the Outlets!)

Welcome to the very first edition of The NES News! If you’ve been following us since we first started tossing bags in the backyard of the Virginia entertainment scene, or if you just found us while hunting for deals at the outlets, we are so glad you’re here. This newsletter is our way of keeping you in the loop with everything happening at NES Cornhole Lounge. We’re talking big wins, upcoming tournaments, snack updates, and a healthy dose of community spirit.

It is officially May 2026, and we have some massive candles to blow out on our birthday cake this month. Not only is the company celebrating three years of existence, but we are also hitting the one-year mark at our beautiful home in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. It’s been a wild ride, and we’re just getting started.

Who Are We? (A Quick Re-Introduction)

For the newcomers in the back: NES Cornhole Lounge is the premier destination for sports entertainment in the Virginia area. We aren't just a place with some boards on the floor. We are a full-service social hub where competition meets relaxation. Whether you are a professional player looking to climb the ACL ranks or a family looking for a fun afternoon out, we’ve got a lane for you.

Our mission has always been simple: create a space where people can connect, unplug, and enjoy a classic American pastime. With our onsite bar, snack shop, and curated gift shop, we’ve built an environment that feels like your favorite living room: only much bigger and with much better aim.

Three Years of Tossing: The NES Journey

Three years ago, NES Cornhole Lounge was just a dream of bringing people together through play. We launched with the idea that cornhole is the ultimate equalizer: anyone can play, but few can master it. From our early days of organizing local meetups to becoming a recognized name in the Virginia sports entertainment landscape, the journey has been nothing short of incredible.

Over these last three years, we have seen thousands of bags fly through the air. We’ve witnessed high-stakes tournament finishes, first dates that turned into marriages, and corporate teams that finally learned how to work together after a few rounds of "toss and talk." Our growth is a testament to the amazing community here in Virginia, and we couldn't be more proud of the roots we’ve planted.

A special shout-out goes to our Richmond customers. Richmond is still home for us. Many of our Richmond followers and players have been with us since the beginning, and many still travel to play in our tournaments. Their support helped shape this journey. We continue to value our ongoing partnerships and support in the Richmond community.

One Year at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets

If the three-year mark is our "big" birthday, our one-year anniversary at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets is the icing on the cake. Moving into this location was a game-changer. It allowed us to bring the lounge experience to shoppers, locals, and tourists alike, right in the heart of one of Virginia’s most iconic shopping destinations.

Our relationship with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Visit Virginia, along with Richmond Region Tourism as a Sports Tourism partner, started before the move to Williamsburg. Being at the Outlets has helped solidify those long-standing partnerships while adding cross-regional value through our work with Visit Williamsburg. We’ve become a "must-stop" spot for people visiting the area. There’s something special about seeing someone walk in with shopping bags in one hand and then picking up a bean bag with the other. It’s been a year of growth, new faces, and a whole lot of fun.

We are also now collaborating with local resorts and hotels, including Vacation Village and Marriott, to help enhance the guest experience for visitors who want entertainment, food, and a welcoming place to play during their stay.

More Than Just a Game: Our Services

At NES, we’ve worked hard to expand what "going out" looks like. We aren't just about the boards. Here’s a look at what you can find when you walk through our doors:

The Snack Shop & Onsite Bar

You can’t play on an empty stomach. Our snack shop is legendary, featuring favorites like our Safari Snack Pack. But when you need something more substantial, we’ve got you covered. Our onsite bar serves up the perfect refreshments to keep your throwing arm loose. Plus, for our larger events and parties, our partnership with Papa Johns ensures that the pizza is always fresh and ready for the crowd.

The Gift Shop

Want to take a piece of NES home? Our gift shop features everything from professional-grade cornhole bags to custom apparel. We also sell cornhole boards, bags, and custom items. We love seeing our "May the 4th" Jedi shirts or our classic NES logo tees out in the wild!

The Hospitality Room

Need a space for your next big meeting or a private celebration? The Hospitality Room is designed for those who want a VIP experience. It’s perfect for private corporate events, birthday parties, or even "Her Influence at the Table" networking sessions.

Community and Partnerships

We believe in the power of partnership. It takes a village to raise a lounge, and we are honored to work with some of the best organizations in the state. From our upcoming NASCAR Cornhole Tournament at Richmond Raceway to our involvement with VA250, we are deeply embedded in the culture of Virginia.

Our long-standing collaborations with Visit Virginia and Richmond Region Tourism as a Sports Tourism partner began before our move to Williamsburg. Today, those relationships are stronger and more valuable across regions because of our presence in Williamsburg and our work with Visit Williamsburg. We are also now collaborating with local resorts and hotels like Vacation Village and Marriott to enhance the guest experience. We are proud to support historical initiatives as well, celebrating the rich and diverse history of our region as we look forward to the 250th anniversary of the United States. Check out our special feature on More Than One Story: Celebrating African American Excellence for VA250 to learn more about this important legacy.

Health, Wellness, and the USA250 Challenge

As we look toward the future, we are focusing more on the "sport" in sports entertainment. Did you know that cornhole is an excellent way to stay active? It’s a low-impact activity that encourages movement, coordination, and social interaction: all key components of mental and physical wellness.

This quarter, we are particularly excited to highlight the American Legion USA250 challenge. This initiative encourages veterans and community members to engage in physical activities that promote health and wellness as we approach the nation’s semiquincentennial. At NES, we believe that a healthy community is a happy community. Whether you’re competing in a Tuesday Toss or just practicing your aim with an Individual Day Pass, you’re doing something good for your body and mind.

Planning Your Next Event

Event planners, listen up! If you are tired of the same old hotel ballroom or dark restaurant backroom, NES Cornhole Lounge is the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for. We specialize in Comprehensive Group Packages that take the stress out of planning.

From corporate team-building sessions to "The Dad Games™" (low stakes, high glory!), we provide the entertainment, the food, and the vibes. Our space is flexible, brightly lit, and designed for maximum engagement. There is nothing like a little friendly competition to break the ice and build lasting professional bonds.

Looking Ahead: What's Next

As we toast to three years of NES and one year at the Outlets, we want to thank you: our players, our community, and our partners. You are the reason the bags keep flying. Keep an eye out for Issue #2 of The NES News next month, where we’ll dive deeper into our summer tournament schedule and introduce some new items in the gift shop.

We are also looking ahead to the next phase of NES. That includes upcoming enhancements to our facility to improve the guest experience, ramping up the Pro Shop with more SEVA and ZUCA favorites, and expanding what we offer with cornhole boards, bags, and custom items. We are also preparing upcoming Father’s Day custom gift baskets with fun items for dads, tied to The Dad Games™ event on June 27. Along with these updates, we plan to build additional community partnerships and more connections within the cornhole community across Virginia.

Until then, stay safe, stay active, and keep your eye on the hole!

Want to join the club? Check out our Monthly Membership Program for the best way to play all year long.

See you on the boards!

( The NES Team)