The upcoming pickleball tournament in Lowell, UMass Lowell Homecoming Pickleball Slam is set to be an exciting event, welcoming pickleball players aged 18 and older on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Hosted by UMass Lowell Campus Recreation at 322 Aiken St, Lowell, Massachusetts, this tournament promises to be a vibrant gathering for both seasoned players and newcomers alike, with all proceeds benefitting veteran students and the UMass Lowell Campus Recreation Center.
- Event Date: October 19, 2024
- Location: UMass Lowell Campus Recreation, 322 Aiken St, Lowell, MA 01854
- Age Requirement: 18 and older
- Beneficiary: Veteran students and UMass Lowell Campus Recreation Center
Tournament Games Format
The tournament will adopt a round-robin pool game format, with matches played to 11 points, requiring a win by 1. The top four teams from each bracket will advance to the playoffs, with specific formats based on the number of teams registered. The Tournament Director has the authority to combine brackets if needed, ensuring that all participants have a positive experience.
- Game Format: Round robin, play to 11 (win by 1)
- Advancement: Top 4 teams advance to playoffs
- Brackets with 9 or fewer teams: Top and 2nd seed play for gold; 3rd and 4th seeds play for bronze.
- Brackets with 10 or more teams: Split into 2 pools for semi-finals.
- Women’s 4.0 Bracket: Teams play each other twice.
Registration Fees and Categories
Players can register for the tournament with tiered pricing based on registration dates. The event is limited to doubles only, and players wishing to compete in additional categories can do so for a fee. Registration fees are structured as follows:
- Early Registration (Aug 31 – Oct 13): $60
- Late Registration (Oct 14 – 16): $80
- Additional Category Cost: $20 per person
- Note: Players cannot compete in the same category at different levels.
Match Schedule
Players are advised to check in at specific times based on their division. The schedule for women’s, mixed, and men’s doubles is as follows (all times subject to change):
- Women’s Doubles:
- 3.0 & Under: Check-in 7:45 AM, Start 8:15 AM
- 4.0+: Check-in 7:45 AM, Start 8:15 AM
- 3.0-3.5: Check-in 8:00 AM, Start 8:30 AM
- 3.5-4.0: Check-in 8:00 AM, Start 8:30 AM
- Mixed Doubles:
- 4.0+: Check-in 10:45 AM, Start 11:15 AM
- 3.0 & Under: Check-in 10:45 AM, Start 11:15 AM
- 3.0-3.5: Check-in 1:30 PM, Start 2:00 PM
- 3.5-4.0: Check-in 1:30 PM, Start 2:00 PM
- Men’s Doubles:
- 4.0+: Check-in 4:30 PM, Start 5:00 PM
- 3.5-4.0: Check-in 4:30 PM, Start 5:00 PM
- 3.0-3.5: Check-in 4:30 PM, Start 5:00 PM
Skill Level and Team Registration
Players will have their ratings verified at registration. Those with DUPR ratings must use that rating, while players without a rating can self-rate within reason. To ensure a guaranteed spot in mixed doubles or doubles, both partners must register within five days of each other. Incomplete teams will be moved to a waiting list.
- Skill Level Verification: Players must provide valid DUPR or USAPA UTPR ratings.
- Team Registration (TIP): Second partner must sign up within 5 days for guaranteed entry.
Refund Policy and Weather Considerations
Participants should note that no refunds will be issued for any reason, as registration fees are considered donations to veteran students. In case of stormy weather, the tournament will move indoors to the Campus Recreation Indoor Basketball Courts.
- Refund Policy: No refunds for any reason; entry fees are considered donations.
- Weather Policy: In case of inclement weather, play will continue indoors.
Venue Information
The pickleball tournament will be held at the Campus Recreation Complex Tennis Courts, which feature outdoor, non-covered surfaces. Eight courts will be available for play, and free parking is provided starting at 7:00 AM in the East Parking Garage.
- Venue Address: UMass Lowell Campus Recreation, 322 Aiken St, Lowell, MA 01854
- Surface Type: Tennis & Concrete
- Ball Used: Selkirk Pro S1
- Parking: Free parking available at East Parking Garage
News in Brief: UMass Lowell Homecoming Pickleball Slam
The UMass Lowell Pickleball Homecoming Slam 2024 will take place on October 19, 2024, at the UMass Lowell Campus Recreation. It’s open to players aged 18 and older. Money raised will support veteran students and the Campus Recreation Center.
The pickleball tournament will use a round-robin format, with registration fees between $60 and $80. There will be schedules for women’s, mixed, and men’s doubles matches. Players need to provide valid skill ratings, and there are no refunds. The event will be held outdoors, with plans in place in case of bad weather.
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