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There couldn’t be a better time to get involved with ultimate frisbee in Las Vegas. The Vegas Bighorns—named for our state animal, the desert bighorn sheep—was recently announced as the latest expansion team of the Ultimate Frisbee Association, and the new franchise is just weeks away from its debut.
Before the Bighorns march into town, opportunities abound for you to try your hand at ultimate. Whether you’re looking to play your first pick-up game, test your skills in a tournament or simply cheer on our sheep from the sidelines, we’ll break down the ways for you to get started playing ultimate frisbee.
Ultimate 101
No experience is required to start playing recreationally, but you should get familiar with the sport’s guiding principle: the Spirit of the Game. Ultimate is a no-contact sport played without referees, and players are entrusted to make the calls. As such, USA Ultimate, the sport’s official governing body, emphasizes the importance of“mutual respect and trust between opponents, communication and conflict resolution skills; and self-confidence—both on and off the field of play.” Yes, there are also official rules to the game, and your friendly local players can help you get familiar (more on this later). But the Spirit is essential, and the foundation of all things ultimate.
Find Your Local Frisbee Community
Brian Kilkenny is the current board president of Las Vegas Ultimate, the local organizing body for ultimate frisbee. Kilkenny has been involved with the sport since 2002, when he joined a group in Massachusetts while stationed in the Air Force. In 2010, he was ordered to Las Vegas, and he brought his love of the sport with him. “I was welcomed immediately into the ultimate community here,” says Kilkenny, who played with UNLV’s then-club. “To already have a group of people that I could socialize with—it made the move so much easier.”
Kilkenny and his fellow Las Vegas Ultimate board members help promote pickup games, host clinics and coordinate community events that may involve ultimate frisbee, or not. “We have a Facebook chat of community members who get together to play board games,” says Kilkenny. “People make friends within the frisbee community.”
Now, you may be thinking: This sounds fun. Where do I sign up? Kilkenny says your best first move is showing up to a pickup game. (Check lvfrisbee.com for the latest schedule.) Bring a positive attitude and an open mind—no special equipment is needed. “Everyone is willing to help a new player learn the game,” says Kilkenny. For those looking to develop their play, Las Vegas Ultimate also hosts regular “Skills and Drills” clinics, league teams and local tournaments.
Bet on the Bighorns
Still feeling sheepish about getting on the field? The Bighorns’ arrival in Las Vegas brings a slew of new opportunities to connect with the sport, on or off the field. On February 22, Las Vegas Ultimate hosts a Kick-Off Party at PKWY Tavern (4930 West Flamingo Road, pkwytavern.com) to socialize and celebrate the UFA team’s arrival. Vegas Bighorns merch is already available at bighorns.vegas so you can represent the new hometown team with pride. And if you happen to need a frisbee to play at your next pickup game, look no further—there are three stylish branded discs to choose from.
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English (US) ·