For the past 11 years, the Madden-Mariucci Bocce tournament has been raising money for charity. Over 2.5 million dollars has been raised during that time.
The tournament began at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos.
It has been held at Campo di Bocce in Livermore since 2006, which is when the
Livermore facility was opened.
Proceeds go to charity.
Link to
the Tournament Website
Link to Campo di Bocce
web site -
Direct link to Livermore Facility
This year there were 32 teams divided into 8 divisions of 4 teams which match the NFC division names (see scoreboard photo below). In the preliminary rounds, each team in a division played each of the other 3 teams. Since there are 8 courts, only 16 teams could play at once. This allowed a break between games for each team to eat, socialize, and eat some more. Games were to 10 points, or 25 minutes, whichever occurred first. At the end of 25 minutes, a frame in progress was completed. At the end of the preliminary rounds, the top 2 teams from each division went on to the playoffs.
The playoffs were single elimination. The 25 minute limit applied to the first round but was waived after that. The first round of the playoffs used all 8 courts but after that everything was held inside. It was a good thing, as it started to rain during the semi-finals! Following the first round of the playoffs, the live auction was held. Photos here.
The finals were between the Ponderosa Rollers and Bocce This. The winner received a $25,000 check for their designated charity with the runner up getting a $10,000 check for their charity. Bocce This prevailed (Photos here).
John Madden's team (Ruby Hill Golf Club / Top Grade Construction) did not make the playoffs even after winning 2 of 3 in the preliminary rounds.
Steve Mariucci's team (Mooch's Gumba's) was defeated in the quarters by the eventual Bocce Superbowl Champions Bocce This
The KCBS team did not make the playoffs, with a 1 and 2 record. There was much discussion about this the next day when John Madden called in.
