Sport inspired by Quidditch to host national qualifier in Rantoul

RANTOUL, Ill. (WAND) - A real-life sport inspired by a fantasy one is hosting a national qualifier for the second time in Rantoul.

It's called quadball, inspired by Quidditch, the sport from the Harry Potter series where players don broomsticks and try and get balls through a series of hoops.

On March 7-8, 19 college and adult club Quadball teams from across the country will go head to head to qualify for spots at the US Quadball Cup 2026.

Quadball is a full-contact sport played by about 600 teams in almost 40 countries.

The rules incorporate a mix of elements from rugby, dodgeball, and flag football. Teams are made up of seven people who must keep a broom between their legs at all times.

"We're thrilled to continue hosting the US Quadball National Qualifier at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex," said Mark Brown, Director of Event Services & Film for Expereince Champaign-Urbana.

The event is expected to generate over $300,000 in economic impact for the area with at least one to two hotel stays for participating athletes.

Residents are encouraged to attend and watch the sport that starts at 8 a.m. on both Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. People are told to bring their own chairs.