PPA Tournament Under Fire: A recent Facebook post has sparked controversy among pickleball enthusiasts after a user criticized the conditions at a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournament. The post describes the courts as “the worst things I’ve ever seen,” alleging that they were “literally wrinkled” and caused balls to bounce erratically or not at all. The user expressed frustration, noting that pro qualifiers were being played on these subpar courts and questioning the value of paying $400 for a tournament with such issues.
The post has elicited a range of reactions from fans. One commenter asked for specifics about the location and surface type, while another speculated that the courts might have been laid out over carpet, which could contribute to the problems. Concerns about safety were also voiced, with some noting that the court conditions could pose a risk of injury.
Others reflected on alternative venues, such as the Plaza Rooftop courts in Old Town, though they acknowledged the challenges posed by high winds there. One user suggested heading to St. George for the Redrock Open, which boasts 33 new courts, including a stadium court, as a more promising option.
There was also skepticism about the role of competitors and referees, with some doubting that a match would start on such a poorly maintained surface without intervention. Meanwhile, a few comments added a touch of humor, suggesting that the courts might be better suited for a large sit-down dinner rather than competitive play.
Despite the varied opinions, a recurring sentiment is that the PPA needs to address these issues to improve the tournament experience for players and fans. Some players indicated they might reconsider participating in future PPA events, particularly those held indoors where similar court conditions have been reported. The situation shows the need for better quality control and venue management to ensure that tournaments meet the high standards expected by the pickleball community.
News in Brief: PPA Tournament Under Fire
A Facebook post has ignited controversy over the PPA tournament’s court conditions, with one user calling them “the worst ever” due to erratic ball bounces and wrinkles. The $400 entry fee for pro qualifiers was questioned given the poor court quality.
Fans have debated the surface type, suggested alternatives like the Redrock Open, and expressed concerns about safety. Skepticism about the role of referees and humor about the courts being better for dining rather than play have also emerged. The incident highlights a need for improved quality control and venue management in pickleball tournaments.
