Battle at the Bay: Flag Football Hits Put-in-Bay for the First Time

By Joshua Turnbo
Event details courtesy of the organizers and edited for clarity by PIB Daily.

The Rise of Flag Football — From Local Fields to the Olympic Stage

Flag football’s journey from local parks to the global stage has been decades in the making — and it didn’t happen overnight. While today’s headlines celebrate the NFL’s promotion of the sport and its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics, the growth of flag football was driven for years by grassroots organizations and passionate athletes.

For much of its history, competitive flag football was kept alive and growing by organizations like the United States Flag & Touch Football League (USFTL). Long before the NFL’s involvement, USFTL provided one of the few national platforms where the sport could evolve, offering leagues, tournaments, and competitive opportunities for players across the country. Their commitment fueled the game’s early growth and built the community that set the foundation for today’s success.

Since then, a new generation of major organizations has taken the torch, including the United Flag Football League (UFFL), The Elite Series, USA Flag, USA Football, the Weekend Warrior Series, and the American Flag Football League (AFFL). These groups have expanded competitive opportunities, introduced national ranking systems, and increased visibility for athletes at all levels.

At the same time, youth flag football has seen explosive growth, with programs thriving through high schools and these major organizations. States across the U.S. have introduced or expanded girls’ flag football as a sanctioned high school sport, further fueling the sport’s growth. Even more notably, women’s flag football has been officially recognized as a collegiate sport, creating clear pathways from youth play to elite national and international competition — including the upcoming Olympic debut.

Now, with flag football set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, the sport is enjoying unprecedented attention and support. The NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) have accelerated the sport’s global expansion — but it’s the grassroots pioneers and dedicated organizations that made this moment possible.

Locally, that same spirit of dedication and growth is alive and well. League of Legends LLC, Empire Sportswear, and the NEOFFL have united to advance the game in Ohio. After the success of the Independence Bowl in Mansfield, these organizations now proudly present Battle At The Bay in Put-in-Bay.

To our knowledge, Battle At The Bay will mark the first-ever football event to take place on the island — a historic moment that highlights both the sport’s expanding reach and the innovative spirit of the flag football community.

As flag football continues to expand worldwide, events like Battle At The Bay represent the heartbeat of the game: community-driven, athlete-focused, and dedicated to providing opportunities for all who love the sport.

Event Details: Battle at the Bay Flag Football Tournament

Put-in-Bay will host its first-ever football event this summer with Battle At The Bay, taking place June 28–29, 2025, at McCann Field. Organized by Empire Sportswear, League of Legends LLC, and NEOFFL, the event coincides with the popular Pyrate Fest weekend, offering visitors a unique mix of competitive sports and island entertainment.

Tournament Info:

• Location: McCann Field, Put-in-Bay, Ohio

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29, 2025

• Formats:

  • 5-Man Contact (A & B)

  • 5-Man Non-Contact Open

  • 4-Man Non-Contact Open

  • 5-Women’s Non-Contact

  • 5-Coed Non-Contact
    (10 teams per format limit)

Organizers expect strong attendance from both athletes and spectators. The tournament is part of a growing movement bringing elite flag football events to new and notable locations. Team registration is currently open.

Registration: Click Here
Team List: Click Here