Pickleball USA’s 1st Indoor National Championship: On a bustling Saturday in Macon, Georgia, the air was thick with excitement as competitors took to the courts for the second day of the debut United States Senior Pickleball Indoor National Championships. Among the participants were Tony Martinez, 71, and Joanna Crawford, 65, both coming from from Thomaston, Georgia, ready to present their skills in mixed doubles.

Macon: A Premier Pickleball Destination

Macon has strengthened its reputation as a premier destination for indoor pickleball, and the Rhythm and Rally Sports & Events facility was alive with activity. This weekend’s championship drew hundreds of athletes aged 50 and over, all aiming for national titles over a three-day tournament that included various events for men and women alike. The facility’s selection as the championship site speaks volumes about Macon’s commitment to the sport.

“We love being here, it’s a state-of-the-art facility,Everybody loves the building and the atmosphere here.”- (Karen Parrish)

A New Era for Pickleball USA

This year marked the first time Pickleball USA hosted an indoor national championship, a significant milestone as they shifted from regional events to a grander scale. Unlike previous tournaments, there were no qualifying rounds; any interested senior could participate simply by being a member of Pickleball USA. Parrish noted that plans are underway to implement a qualifying system for future events, which could elevate the stakes even further.

Tournament Format and Participation

The tournament strated  with men’s doubles and women’s singles on Friday, followed by mixed doubles on Saturday, and concluded with women’s doubles and men’s singles on Sunday. In a round-robin format, players competed against one another, advancing based on their win-loss records. This year’s championship attracted over 450 participants, a proof to the sport’s growing popularity, particularly among seniors. While many players are from  Georgia, others traveled from across the country, eager to compete.

Notable Participants and Community Spirit

Among them was Cathy Hicks from Marshall, North Carolina, who had previously claimed victory at a national tournament. This year, she teamed up with Kerry Bacon, a former Mercer University tennis coach, who embraced pickleball after undergoing a knee replacement.

“I’ve got a good partner, so hopefully we’ll do real well.”- (Bacon )

For some players, this tournament marked their debut in competitive play. Debbie Jacobs, from Eatonton, felt a mix of nerves and excitement as she partnered with Milledgeville native Curt Reynolds. They hoped teamwork would lead them to success. Parrish was encouraged by the high level of interest in the seniors’ tournament, highlighting the rapid growth of pickleball among older athletes. The sport’s appeal lies in its accessibility and the social connections it improves.

“Tennis is about 90% competition, 10% meeting people, while pickleball is the other way around. It keeps seniors going.”(Terry Steaple)

Why Macon?

The city made waves in the pickleball community with the opening of Rhythm and Rally in January, presenting 32 courts and earning the title of the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world. The venue was part of a broader renewal effort at the old Macon Mall, which also included the development of the Atrium Health Amphitheater. Parrish and her team had their eyes on Macon long before the facility opened.

Planning such a tournament takes time, often six to nine months, and they wanted to ensure they secured a spot in Rhythm and Rally’s busy calendar.

“We knew we wanted to do a national indoor tournament, and there had been other tournaments held in (the South),So when we knew this facility was going to be open, we wanted to come here.”- (Parrish)

Once the tournament was scheduled, promotional efforts spread through online brackets and word of mouth, attracting a diverse field of players. Parrish emphasized the region’s strong network of volunteers and active members, making Macon a prime location for this championship. “We wanted to bring an event here because you get a lot of really great players and volunteers. It was a no-brainer, we had to have an event here.”

As the competition unfolded over the weekend, it became clear that this gathering was about more than just titles; it was a celebration of community, companionship , and the enduring spirit of pickleball among seniors.

News in Brief: Pickleball USA’s 1st Indoor National Championship

On a lively Saturday in Macon, Georgia, excitement filled the air as the second day of the inaugural United States Senior Pickleball Indoor National Championships took place at the Rhythm and Rally Sports & Events facility. Competitors like Tony Martinez, 71, and Joanna Crawford, 65, presented their skills in mixed doubles. Over 450 athletes aged 50 and up participated, highlighting pickleball’s growing popularity among seniors. This year marked Pickleball USA’s first indoor national championship, featuring a round-robin format. The event highlighted competition and also promoted community and companionship, strengthening Macon’s status as a premier pickleball destination with its state-of-the-art facility. The tournament celebrated the sport’s accessibility and social connections among older players.

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