ECT Winter Thriller Pickleball Tournament: The 2nd Annual ECT Winter Thriller will take place in Niceville, Florida, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This USA Pickleball Sanctioned event is open to players of all levels, featuring men’s singles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles competitions. Registration is now open, with a fee of $55, increasing to $65 after December 31, 2024.
Tournament Registration and Details
Registration for the tournament opens on December 11, 2024, at 5:00 CST and closes on February 23, 2025, at 11:55 CST. All players must have a valid USA Pickleball membership at the Champions level through March 2, 2025, to participate.
The tournament will feature age groups of 49 and Under and 50 and Over for all events. Skill divisions for singles include 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5+, and for doubles, they range from 3.0 to 5.0+.
Format and Play Structure
The event will follow a round-robin format with pool play leading to playoffs. If any brackets have three or fewer players, they will be combined.
Matches in pre-medal and medal rounds will be refereed, with efforts made to referee as many other matches as possible. Players must check in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled match to collect a gift and prepare.
Food and Amenities
A food truck will be available at the venue on each day of the tournament, with specific times to be announced. Participants can also stay at the Tru by Hilton Niceville Eglin Air Force Base with a special discount code provided closer to the event.
Parking and Venue Details
The tournament will be held at ECT Pickleball, located at 1200 Oakmont Drive, Niceville, Florida. Parking is free, but no onsite parking is available. Participants and spectators are encouraged to use the nearby Bluewater Bay Golf Course for additional parking.
Refund Policy
Full refunds will be provided to players who withdraw before the registration deadline. However, no refunds or credits will be issued if the weather impacts the tournament.
Significance of the Event
The ECT Winter Thriller offers a great opportunity for pickleball players to compete at a high level in a well-organized and professionally refereed event. The tournament brings together players of various skill levels, fostering competition and community within the sport. For participants and spectators, it promises to be an exciting weekend of pickleball action.
News in Brief: ECT Winter Thriller Pickleball Tournament
The 2nd Annual ECT Winter Thriller will be held in Niceville, Florida, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This USA Pickleball-sanctioned event offers singles, doubles, and mixed competitions for all skill levels. Registration is open, with fees increasing after December 31, 2024. The pickleball tournament will feature round-robin play, food trucks, and free parking.