Gay Bowl XVII Cleat Drive

Gay Bowl Cleat Drive in Partnership with the New England Patriots! 

In partnership with The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, we will be collected pairs of cleats from players who wish to donate them at the end of the tournament at both the fields and the closing party.  The New England Patriots Cleat Drive provides new or gently used football cleats to youth and high school students athletes throughout New England from low and moderate income families.

Hall of Fame Q & A

William Ward 

What does being a HOFer mean to you?

First, I would like to thank the HOF committee for the nomination and induction.  It is such an honor to be a part of the NGFFL HOF.  What does it means to me?  Flag football is such a passion for me. I thoroughly enjoyed every year with the NGFFL and to be recognized by the league truly touches my heart.  I hope that I was able to contribute to the game, to the players, and even to the refs (lol). I wouldn’t be here without my amazing teammates from Chicago and Michigan.  No one gets here alone, therefore part of this HOF belongs to the players I have played with.  I have played with many great and amazing athletes but I want to point out a few that have always had me back on the field.

Glen Rexing -- When he was in his prime, he would think that he was the fastest guy on the team and had the best hands.   Brian Walker, my center and blocker.  He would constantly remind me that he would personally tackle me on the field if I threw another (@&*#) deep ball. Kevin Haight, my check-down WR. He was my go-to guy when I’m in scramble mode, which was often.  Chris Cleary. He anchored our defense and won some games for us.  Pete Bonavia. He sacrificed his nose in Atlanta to make that flag pull.  Leeron Kopelman, for trusting me to lead his Michigan Panthers team as their QB.  Players like these made my flag football experience memorable and exceptional.  Thank you.

What made you decide to come out and play in the NGFFL?

As a youth, I loved football.  In high school, I was a short skinnykid was on the football team in a small town in Texas.  When I got out of the Navy, and started working, I looked for avenues to play.  As a gay flaming jock [and no, it’s not an oxymoron], I wanted to be myself and play.  I remember reading a post from Jim and Cyd on outsports.com about a “Gay Bowl.”  I got in contact with Darrel Bayani and signed up for Gay Bowl II in SF.  It was a great experience and I couldn’t stop playing since.

What is your favorite NGFFL memory so far?

Besides becoming the first person who won both A and B division, I would say Gay Bowl II was my favorite.  Not knowing what to expect, nine guys from the Midwest travel to the west coast for two-day flag football tournament.  The rules were different then. I remember getting crack blocked on the very first game and thinking to myself. Ohh, HELL NO!!!  Needless to say, we were 0-3 in the round robin games.  We changed our approached on the second day and managed squeak out a win against SF in the quarters, and beat Boston in the semis with my bum ankle.  I didn’t want to stop playing because we didn’t have enough players. Everyone on my team was hurt for some reason or another.  We faced the mighty LA team in the finals and got destroyed. What really made this experience memorable was the camaraderie and hanging with SF players afterwards and going to dinner with them near SF Giants Stadium.  Darrel Bayani, Kenneth Jung, and company were gracious hosts, although they wanted to punish us several hours earlier.

Patrick McIntyre 

What does being a Hall of Famer mean to you?

Humbled pride. I couldn’t be more appreciative of this extraordinary recognition. But what’s more meaningful to me personally is what the NGFFL and its people have contributed to me as a player and a person over the years. The NGFFL and our local leagues have introduced me to so many people I may not have met and grown to love otherwise. There’s no greater gift than that.

What made you decide to “come out and play” in the NGFFL?

I knew I wanted to play sports, and I knew I wanted to be gay. What I didn’t know was how easy gay flag football would make it to express my competitive and nelly natures aaaaallllll at the same time. 

What is your favorite NGFFL memory so far?

As player, winning Gay Bowl IV in Atlanta with a defensive stand on the last play, and being named to the all-tournament team at Gay Bowl VI in Dallas. Off the field, winning the bid for Gay Bowl XII in Denver, and seeing the National Mall serve as our fields at Gay Bowl XVI in DC. But my most mind-blowing moment was way back at the Opening Party at Gay Bowl III in Boston, when we met so many guys like us, and kindled life-long friendships.

How did the NGFFL make you feel included in the sports community?

It helped me realize that I didn’t have to give up sports, and that I have friends across North America. For someone from a small Pennsylvania Dutch town, that was pretty cool.

Given the mission/vision of NGFFL: “To proudly foster community, camaraderie, and inclusivity by providing opportunities to engage in competition through flag football” – how do you plan to use your new moniker as Hall of Famer to embody this mission/vision?

Any way that’s needed. If my little story can inspire someone new to stand up and participate, or to help those who don’t know the LGBTQ community to understand that we are more similar than they might think, then I’m happy to tell it. Our fight is not over, and there are brothers and sisters who need us. I’d like to be there for them as best I can. 

What has been the most encouraging NGFFL advancement since you came out to play?

The growth and maturation of the Officiating Corps and the Women’s Division. Both have bettered and enriched our community and experiences in so many ways, and both have taken a great deal of work and determination to deliver. More, please…

What is one manner in which you would like to see the NGFFL advance over the next few years?

I would like to see more veteran players graduate to serve the league nationally and locally by officiating and volunteering. You all know what this league has given you. What can you give back? Secondly, I would like to see more local leagues spring up. If you move to a city without a league, start one. It’s been done before. And the league is here to help you do it.

Do you have any advice for new players?

Again, two things: Bring your love of the game and yourself to the fields and events with an open mind – you’ll never know who you’ll meet and what you’ll learn. And no matter how competitive you might be, always remember that it’s just GAY FLAG FOOTBALL! 

90s Whitney or 90s Mariah – and why?

It’s really hard to choose between two talents who are no longer with us. But if you really want me to dance with somebody, it would have to be Whitney all the way. Obvi.

Ryan O'Shaugnessy

What does being a Hall of Famer mean to you?

Respect. It means that your teammates, your coaches, and your competitors all respected the contributions one made either on the local or national level, or both.

 

What made you decide to “come out and play” in the NGFFL?

Friendship and Competition. I was asked to play back in 2008 at the Salt Lake City Gay Bowl. I was not only surprised at the the competition but the fact that I would make friendships that would last me my entire life.

 

What is your favorite NGFFL memory so far?

That's tough because there are so many! But it has to be the Washington D.C. Gay Bowl IX. Everyone on that team played their hearts out all tournament long and we left everything we had on the field, but we came up short on the very last play of the game. We failed to convert the 2 pt. conversion and lost by 1 to the L.A. Motion. They rushed the field popping champagne bottles and didn't bother to even shake our hands. That moment that day forever fueled me for every single snap of every single game I played in... and 6 consecutive championships later I would say it all worked out for the best. 

Do you have any advice for new players?

Learn from the best. Study them inside and out. Know what makes them great. See what is working for them and try to improve upon the areas they might be lacking in, and once you have this information pass it down to other new players and coaches. This is why the NGFFL keeps getting more and more competitive every single year. 

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go - Gay Bowl XVII

Arrival, Parking & Check-In

Our host hotels are located in Boston’s Back Bay, approximately 15 minutes from Logan Airport, depending on traffic. If you are renting a car, be sure to put 200 Stuart Street, Boston MA 02116 in your GPS which will you bring you to the public parking garage connected to the host hotel, The Revere Hotel Boston.  If you are staying at the second host hotel, The Boston Park Plaza, simply walk across the street to get checked in.

If you are staying at the Revere, let the desk know you have parked in the garage and they will apply a 50% discount for all players and the cost will be $25 per night. If you are staying at the Park Plaza, you will also be parking in that same garage and the final details on how you will receive that discount are being finalized as we speak and your captain will be able to share with you how to pay on Thursday evening. Please stay tuned!

You can also take public transportation.  Simply get on the silver line buses (MBTA) at Logan Airport and take it to South Station. There you will switch to any of the Green Line trains and get off at Boylston Street and the hotel is just a few blocks away.

What is in the area?

There are lots of great local restaurants and bars in the area for you and your team to check out - you can’t go wrong! As far as the basics go, there is a 7-11 and a Starbucks located just across the street from the host hotel for your breakfast or snacking needs. There are also two liquor stores within a 10 minute walk and the closest sporting good store is Modell’s located on Boylston St, just a 10 minute walk.

If you have some spare time, simply walk two blocks and you will be at the Boston Common and our Public Garden which are at the foot of our most popular shopping areas, Boylston & Newbury Street.  Or head to the Gayborhood, the South End, and check out bars such as Club Cafe, The Trophy Room, The Eagle or Cathedral Station. 

Registration

Player Registration is open on Thursday from 4-7pm at The Revere Hotel on the 6th floor. For those arriving later on Thursday, registration will also be available at the Opening Party (a 2 minute walk from The Revere Hotel) from 7:30pm-9pm, and then again at the fields the following morning.

All players must check in before they can play and you will want to pick up your official swag bag and Gay Bowl XVII t-shirt! You will also be given an official Gay Bowl XVII bracelet which you will need to have to attend the opening and closing events as well as take advantage of exclusive discounts at participating restaurants around the city.

Did you bring a fan club?

Great! The more the merrier! We will be selling a “Fan Pass” at registration which includes an official Gay Bowl XVII t-shirt, swag bag and bracelet which will grant them access to the opening and closing events.  Cost will be $30 and debit/credit cards will be accepted.

Opening Party

The Opening Party is taking place at Icon Nightclub @ 100 Warrenton St, which is less than a 5 minute walk located literally around the corner from the hotel.  Doors open at 7pm and the program and official Bracket Reveal will begin at approximately 8:15pm. Be sure to be there to find out who your city will be facing off and find out who will be awarded this year’s Commissioner Award. Drinks will be flowing but there will be no food available so be sure to check out one of our great local restaurants in walking distance for a bite!

The event will be private to Gay Bowl athletes and their accompanying friends and family. Guests can expect four bars, state of the art lights and LED and a first class sound system. This is an event you won’t want to miss! It will give you and your fellow teammates a chance to not only represent your city proudly, but to mix, mingle and size up the competition before games kick off bright and early on Friday morning.

And...THE FIRST 200 PLAYERS TO ARRIVE will receive a complimentary Sam Adam’s beverage!

Drive to the Fields/Directions

The fields this year are pretty dope and we are sure you will be impressed with the professional facility and turf fields.  Progin Park is located in Lancaster, MA which is located 1 hour west of Boston.  We have tested the drive many times on Friday morning and if you afford yourself just over 1 hour, you should be fine.  If you have the first game at 9am and want ample time to warm up, we suggest wheels up at 7-7:15am.

Feel free to use your GPS to navigate traffic but we recommend taking 1-90 W to Rte 2.

The official address is: 512 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, MA 01523

What amenities are at the fields?

We have a total of 15 fields, 9 that are turf and 6 that are grass, plus lots of open space for practice fields.  Each field will have one tent per team. 

Water will be provided at the fields, available in large dispensaries so please be sure to bring the Planet Fitness Water Bottle that was provided to you in your official swag bag. There is a concession stand and each day there will be 2 additional food trucks with a variety of different options including vegetarian for lunch and snacks starting at 11am.  Sports drinks will be available at the concession stand but we encourage players to bring their own.

There will be a medical tent equipped with 2 EMTs and 2 trainers to support our players with injuries.  Tape will be available but if you want to be 100% guaranteed to have it done, we encourage you to bring your own because we cannot anticipate demand.

In case of any last minute equipment needs, there is a Dick’s Sporting Goods 10 minutes from the field.

Official Happy Hour - Emerald Lounge

Join us after the games at The Emerald Lounge located on the 2nd floor of The Revere Hotel. We have the entire space reserved for Gay Bowl players and guests from 5-8pm with a full bar, food available to order and Sam Adam’s drink specials.  Please note, 1 drink at a time per person. 

Friday & Saturday night events

For details on Friday and Saturday nights event, we encourage you to check out our website - GayBowl.org - or check out the official NGFFL app for details (please note the app is only available on iphones.)  Gay Bowl XVII is proud to partner with Guerilla Queer Bar on Friday night to celebrate 10 years of taking over straight bars and on Saturday, we are even more excited to host a Women’s event at Boston’s only gay sports bar, Cathedral Station.  And for the boys, head across the river to Cambridge to check out Paradise Night Club at half the price ($5) with your Gay Bowl XVII bracelet.  

In addition to official events, we also have a list of restaurants located throughout the city that have exclusive discounts for Gay Bowl XVII players. Just be sure to show them your fancy bracelet!

Closing Party

To conclude the already packed weekend, closing ceremonies will be held just a few blocks away from the host hotels at Boston’s chicest nightclub, Royale (formerly The Roxy). Newly renovated, Royale offers visitors an upscale and elegant atmosphere as well as a sound system like none other in the city. This will be another closed event for Gay Bowl attendees as we award the Championship teams from all four divisions (Mens A, Mens B, Mens C and Womens) their trophies, as well as showcasing the standout athletes from each city and expressing our gratitude to the many partnering sponsors.

Light food will be available at 7pm, more Sam specials and the show will begin at 8pm. Yes, we said SHOW!!! This year Gay Bowl XVII will be launching what we hope to be the 1st annual Drag Showdown.  Come cheer on some of your fellow players from Boston, Phoenix and San Diego as they strut their stuff to take home the most coveted TROPHY!! Okay, maybe the second most coveted trophy at the Gay Bowl! 

The official program and trophy presentation will begin immediately following at 8:30pm.

Attendees will be invited to keep the evening going at Royale’s public gay night, Queen Size Sundays by Chris Harris Presents/Gay Mafia Boston, following the awards ceremony. This event will include music by International Circuit DJ, Ralphi Rosario and will not disappoint! So for those who still have the energy and want to let loose and celebrate an incredible Gay Bowl, this will be the place to be!

Misc

Cleat Drive

In partnership with The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, we will be collected pairs of cleats from players who wish to donate them at the end of the tournament at both the fields and the closing party.  The New England Patriots Cleat Drive provides new or gently used football cleats to youth and high school students athletes throughout New England from low and moderate income families.

Music Video

Want to be a star?  Thanks to Swank Films, we will be producing the first-ever Gay Bowl music video featuring....YOU!!!  We will have a small film crew circulating the fields and events all weekend getting shots of the fun and wants to teach you a few moves to feature in the video that will be premiered at the end of the closing party! 

Official Merchandise

There will be some sweet official Gay Bowl XVII and NGFFL merchandise being sold at the fields including sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks and even eye black so be sure to stop by the official merchandise tent at the fields!