DC bocce is alive and well with various leagues -- DC Bocce League, Capital Bocce, and DC Bocce Ball League. Bocce is a simple ball toss game that doesn’t require extreme athletic prowess. But it’s not just for old Italian men anymore. In fact, it’s become quite the social sport for a younger generation.
DC Bocce League started in 2004 with 50 players on 10 teams and has grown to over 2,500 players. They have various divisions for the summer in DC, Virginia and Maryland. The Virginia divisions meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Arlington, while the Maryland division meets in Bethesda on Thursdays. There are DC divisions Monday-Thursday evenings at locations such as Vinoteca, Black Jack, NoMa, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Dupont Circle. Registration ranges from $50 to $70, depending on the division and date you sign up. At the end of each season, the top bocce teams in the league are awarded donations to give to a charity of their choice.
Capital Bocce started heading outdoors in April. They have leagues on weeknights in locations such as Adams Morgan, Arlington, Glover Park, and the National Mall. After games, participants enjoy dinner and drink specials at sponsored bars. Registration is $40 to $50.
DC Bocce Ball League is sponsored by Waka Social Sports. The league charges $45 for registration, which is currently open. This league has two charity fundraisers planned for the summer to benefit KEEN DC, an organization that provides one-on-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
Whether you are looking for an official indoor bocce court or one in a park with cones to delineate the play area, you are sure to find likeminded bocce players in DC. So get outside and join in DC bocce.
