Despite recent rain, summertime is nearly in full effect in Colorado, and you know what that means: festival season, like Thorntonfest on June 7.
These festivals offer a slew of food vendors and beer gardens sure to quell any festival-goers’ cravings. But those with an appetite for competition should try Hungerball, one of several game options for kids and adults alike. But what is it?
“It helps that it’s inflatable in a huge orange arena,” said Luis Trujillo, owner and operator of Mile High Hungerball. “The coolest part, though, is that, yeah, it grabs people’s attention, but then when they see it’s not a bouncy house, and it’s like a sports arena, it’s awesome.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rules.
- It originated in New Zealand and is now popular in several parts of the world, like Australia and the United States.
- It’s similar to soccer, hockey or handball, depending on the chosen style of play.
- Players compete in a hexagon-shaped inflatable arena, with a goal on each of the six sides.
- Each player must block their goal and attack simultaneously.
- Players can play as singles in a free-for-all style or as teams of two or three (or more, Thorntonfest says up to 12 players).
- If fewer players are playing, additional goals can be closed with velcro curtains.
A full breakdown of Hungerball rules can be found at this link.
Trujillo found the sport while traveling in Australia and knew he wanted to make a home for it in the States.
It’s the perfect sport for anyone to play, he said, and it’s not like former athletes necessarily have a competitive advantage.
“A lot of times, people get really confident, like, ‘Oh, I play soccer. I’m just going to beat everyone,'” Trujillo said. “And then they leave their goal wide open, and then they get scored on by someone who doesn’t even play sports.”
It’s been a big hit at festivals full of kids, but also among adults who want to stay competitive, say, at a brewery on a night out. Triujillo said he’s hoping it could become the popular trend in the U.S., like how pickleball has grown.
Thorntonfest was the perfect experiment last year for Hungerball. That’s why they brought it back.
“My son was out at Thorntonfest with me last year, and he was nine last summer, going on 10, and he did not leave the arena for the entire time,” said Jennie Christoffel, a recreation coordinator for the City of Thornton. “He loved it so much, and he adores soccer, but this was such an interesting twist on it … and Luis does manage the play and make sure it is inclusive for everybody who’s participating. And he sets up different game formats to make sure, you know, it’s not dominated by certain groups and kids are cycling back out.”
More information can be found at hungerball.com.
Other cool sports-like events at the festival included:
Birdie Ball
Staff from Thorncreek Golf Course present a fun way to try out your golf swing using giant inflatables.
Nurf Terf
Challenge your family and friends and join others in the Nurf Terf arena. All equipment is supplied. Cost is $10 for three five-minute games (per person) or $15 for unlimited play. Pay in advance at nurfterf.com.
Thornton Boxing Club
Don’t miss Thornton Boxing Club’s first-ever Thorntonfest open-sparring event, featuring top boxing clubs from across Colorado.
National Canine Frisbee Competition
Hosted by the Colorado Disc Dogs. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m.
Skate Park Competition
Get ready to show off your skills in an exciting competition with three levels of challenge for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a category for everyone to test their limits. Don’t forget, helmets are required for safety, and a completed liability waiver is a must. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian’s signature is needed.
Couldn’t make it to Thorntonfest? Check out these upcoming events to make the most of the summer.
- Top Taco Festival – June 12 – Westminster City Park
- Artsweek Golden Festival – June 21 – Downtown Golden
- Slacker Half Marathon, Relay and Four-Mile Races – June 28 – Georgetown
- 4th of July Celebration – July 4 – Westminster City Park
- ConiferFest – July 13 – Our Lady of the Pines open space, Conifer
- Westy Craft Brew Fest – July 26 – Westminster City Park
- Buffalo Bill Days – July 25-27 – Parfet Park in Golden
- Rapidgrass Bluegrass Festival – Aug. 8 – Idaho Springs