Pickleball players from across British Columbia will compete in the Royal Lepage Frostbite Men’s Doubles Classic on Saturday, March 15, hosted by the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA). The tournament, featuring 61 teams across multiple divisions and age groups, begins at 8:30 a.m., with the finals expected to conclude by 6 p.m.
Competitive Play for All Skill Levels
The pickleball event welcomes players of all abilities, from those competing in their first event (3.0 rating) to some of the province’s top players (5.0 rating).
Divisions start at a 3.0 rating, which includes players that are newer to pickleball with some competing in their first tournament,” said Christine Castrucow, VPA media representative.
“The divisions go up to 5.0 which will have some of the top players in the province competing for gold.” – (Castrucow)
Vernon Pickleball Association Hosts Key Tournaments
The Vernon Pickleball Association, home to 1,200 members, is one of the largest pickleball clubs in the region. The club’s courts on Okanagan Landing Road at Marshall Fields will welcome competitors from across the Okanagan Valley, the Kootenays, and the Lower Mainland.
In addition to this event, the club is preparing for:
- Okanagan Showdown (March 29): A Canadian National Pickleball League preseason qualifier to identify top new talent.
- Royal Lepage Women’s Tournament (April 12): A major women’s doubles competition.
- Mixed Doubles Tournament (May 10): A competitive co-ed event.
- BC Pickleball Championships (July 24-27): One of British Columbia’s biggest pickleball tournaments.
Excitement Builds for the Frostbite Classic
Tournament director Richard Chambers is anticipating an exciting weekend of pickleball, with spectators welcome to watch the action. Meanwhile, Environment Canada has forecast a low of -4°C overnight Thursday, adding to the tournament’s frostbite-themed excitement.
News in Brief: Vernon Pickleball Association
The Royal Lepage Frostbite Men’s Doubles Classic takes place March 15 in Vernon, British Columbia, with 61 teams competing across multiple divisions. Hosted by the Vernon Pickleball Association, the event welcomes players from across the province. The club will also host the Okanagan Showdown, BC Pickleball Championships, and more in 2025.
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