Editor’s Note: This post is written and sponsored by DC Bocce.
Have you heard about the resurgence in bocce ball, a revered Italian tradition? A new generation of players is taking on Italian-American clubs and grandfathers everywhere at their own game at an ever-increasing rate. It turns out that in addition to the game’s appeal as a relaxing backyard past-time, it also provides a framework for the perfect date. Just ask the young professionals of the area’s own DC Bocce League.
“Bocce is the perfect way to make new friends and meet that someone special,” says Sarah DeLucas, a co-founder of the DC Bocce League, the nation’s largest organized bocce organization. “Bocce provides a great medium for meeting new people. There is a natural flow of conversation deciding whose ball is closer to the pallina and the game can be picked up by people of all abilities. Plus it can be played in your best date outfit — no need for gym clothes.”
DeLucas’s league has operated in various locations across Arlington, DC, and Bethesda for ten years and boasts at least nine known couples who met playing and ended up tying the knot. If your interest is piqued by the idea of bocce games with other singles and young professionals, check out DC Bocce’s special brand of bocce this spring in Arlington on two brand new bocce courts at the restaurant La Tagliatella.
Located across from the Clarendon Metro, La Tagliatella built two turf bocce courts on the sidewalk patio of the restaurant last fall. La Tagliatella is the only bar in Arlington that has on-premise, permanent bocce courts and the DC Bocce League is excited to take full advantage of them on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this spring.
Worried that you’ve out-grown rec leagues and meeting your significant other over a game of flip-cup?
“La Tagliatella’s patio and restaurant seating offer players a spot to slip off for quiet conversation over a craft cocktail or a sophisticated wine,” said DeLucas.
Registration for DC Bocce’s spring season at La Taligiatella is currently open through Friday, March 21st. Sign up to play on Tuesdays or Thursdays starting next week. Teams play every week for 6 weeks. At the end of the season everyone participates in a single elimination tournament culminating in the crowning of a champion team.
Bonus: everyone makes the playoffs so you don’t have to be an expert to get started. The bar will offer exclusive discounts on food and drinks to bocce players, and unlike other bocce leagues you may have encountered, scoring off the courts is just as important as winning the game. To get in on the bocce action, use promo code ARLNOW20 to save $20 on your registration.