Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon welcomes BryceCon board game convention

Competitors game at the 2015 BryceCon, Bryce Canyon City, Utah, circa 2015 | Photo courtesy of BryceCon, St. George News

BRYCE CANYON CITY — Historic Ruby’s Inn is less than a week away from welcoming board game enthusiasts from across the country as it hosts the BryceCon game convention at Utah’s acclaimed Bryce Canyon National Park.

Ruby's Inn offers winter horseback rides through the Grand Staircase. Reservations required 48-hours in advance. Bryce Canyon, Utah, circa 2015 | Photo courtesy of Ruby's Inn, St. George News
Ruby’s Inn offers winter horseback rides through the Grand Staircase. Reservations required 48-hours in advance. Bryce Canyon, Utah, circa 2015 | Photo courtesy of Ruby’s Inn, St. George News

The event allows families and friends to gather and play their favorite modern and classic games while enjoying the dramatic scenery of Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

“BryceCon is like family game night on steroids,” Lance Syrett, general manager of Ruby’s Inn said. “The convention was an overwhelming success last year, and we are excited to continue the tradition — especially as we embark on celebrating our centennial milestone at Ruby’s Inn.”

In addition to family-owned Ruby’s Inn marking its 100th anniversary in 2016, the National Park Service is also celebrating its centennial throughout the year. Special events are being planned at Bryce Canyon and Ruby’s Inn to commemorate the combined achievements.

Taking place Jan. 15-18, BryceCon mixes tabletop favorites with the newest board game creations. The three-day schedule includes round-the-clock open gaming and scheduled gaming featuring card games and various tournaments.

“This is a golden age for tabletop gaming,” BryceCon organizer Gary Tanner said. “BryceCon is quickly becoming one of the best multiday destination gaming retreats for players of all skill levels.”

The 2016 convention will include a raffle, flea market and game-design contest that will challenge participants to create a playable tabletop game in just two days. The convention will also feature an upgraded library of more than 300 games and a beginner’s track to teach game strategies for popular games like Ticket to Ride, Dominion and Settlers of Catan.

Winter activities are plenty at Bryce Canyon, Utah, circa January 2015 | Photo courtesy of Ruby's Inn, St. George News
Winter activities are plenty at Bryce Canyon, Utah, circa January 2015 | Photo courtesy of Ruby’s Inn, St. George News

“The goal of BryceCon is to bring families and communities together through sitting down and playing games,” Gary said. “Games have the ability to create new friendships and teach new skills, and that’s what this weekend is all about.”

The family fun will continue outdoors with great opportunities for winter activities at Ruby’s Inn, including free admission and skate rentals at the resort’s picturesque ice skating rink. Plus, entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park is free on Monday in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“We constantly remind our guests that winter is one of the best times to visit Bryce Canyon,” Jean Seiler, marketing director for Ruby’s Inn, said. “Families will be blown away when they experience all of the wintertime activities and see the hundreds of snow-capped hoodoos.”

Located just outside the gates of Bryce Canyon National Park, Ruby’s Inn provides the closest lodging to the park and a variety of on-site winter adventures, including snowshoeing, sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.

BryceCon admission is $30 for adults and $20 for youth. Registration is available online. During the convention, Ruby’s Inn will offer discounted room rates starting at $40 a night.

Resources

Historic photo of Ruby's Inn, Bryce Canyon City, Utah, circa 1930 | Photo courtesy of Ruby's Inn, St. George News
Historic photo of Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City, Utah, circa 1930 | Photo courtesy of Ruby’s Inn, St. George News

Event details

  • What: BryceCon at Ruby’s Inn
  • When: Jan. 15-18
  • Where: Historic Ruby’s Inn, 26 S. Main St., Bryce Canyon City

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1 Comment

  • DB January 11, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    I hope they have a good time. I also expect at least one participant to exclaim “Canyon?? You mean there’s a canyon around here?”

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