The professional pickleball scene is set to elevate in Portland with the introduction of the Portland Pickleball League (PPL), showing the pickleball sport at an elite level. Last month, the Lloyd Center made headlines by transforming its top floor into eight dedicated pickleball courts. This month, excitement builds as the new league makes its debut at RECS, a premier indoor pickleball venue located in Clackamas.
Inspiration Behind the League
The inspiration for Portland’s league came from pro player Jason Bock, who witnessed the success of a similar initiative in Phoenix, Arizona.
“We have enough pros that tour around the country playing pro pickleball. I want to showcase what we’re all doing and see if this is a sustainable thing.” – (Bock)
His vision emphasizes the importance of providing a platform for professional players to display their skills and foster the sport’s growth.
Teams and Player Demographics
Leading the charge is Bock, who captains the Rose City Riverhawks, one of four teams competing in the PPL. Other teams include the PDX Puddle Jumpers, Bridgetown Brewers, and Stumptown Grinders. Notably, the PPL attracts a diverse group of players, ranging in age from 17 to the mid-40s.
Many of these competitors, including Bock, transitioned from high-level tennis backgrounds. While most players hail from the Portland area, the league also features talent from Central Oregon and Washington, enriching the competitive landscape.
Season Details and Viewing Options
The inaugural PPL season is set to kick off on Tuesday, October 8. Sixteen professional players will engage in six regular-season matches, resulting in playoffs and a championship event on December 7, which will feature a cash prize for the winners.
League play primarily takes place on Tuesday nights at RECS, a schedule designed to accommodate players who travel for weekend pickleball tournaments. For those unable to attend in person, all matches will be livestreamed via RECS’ YouTube channel, ensuring that fans can enjoy the action from home.
A New Level of Competition
As Bock explains, experiencing professional pickleball is similar to witnessing “a totally different game.” He emphasizes the elevated skill level and the rapid pace that spectators can expect.
“When people come out and sit courtside and watch top-level pickleball, they say, ‘I don’t know how you get to that stuff. I don’t know how your hands are that fast.’” – (Bock)
For anyone interested in catching the excitement, the Portland Pickleball League will be held at RECS, located at 17015 SE 82nd Dr., Clackamas. For inquiries, call 503-655-7529. The season opener is on Tuesday, October 8, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM, with ticket prices set at $15.
News in Brief: Portland Pickleball League
The Portland Pickleball League (PPL) will debut on October 8 at RECS in Clackamas, featuring four teams and a lineup of 16 professional pickleball players. Inspired by a similar league in Phoenix, Jason Bock leads the Rose City Riverhawks and aims to show high-level pickleball.
The league will host six regular-season games and a championship with a cash prize on December 7. Pickleball matches will be livestreamed for fans unable to attend. Spectators can expect an exciting display of skill, with tickets priced at $15 for the season opener.
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