Rancho Mirage Pickleball Showdown: Pickleball fans from across the Coachella Valley came together Thursday night, May 15, to celebrate National Pickleball Month with a big event at The Show at Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage, California. The night featured a pro-level exhibition match between the Coachella Valley Scorpions and the Seattle Tsunami, and a local fun match between Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Van Lierup.
It was the first time The Show was changed into a pickleball court, giving fans a full stadium-style experience, with lights, music, and cheering from the crowd. The pickleball event brought attention to the growing popularity of pickleball, not only in the region but around the world.
A Stage Built for Pickleball
The venue, known for concerts and live shows, became a bright, new setting for pickleball. It was fully equipped with court lines, lighting, and space for fans to enjoy the match like they would at a major sporting event. NBC Palm Springs reporter Kaitlyn Kelly was live at the scene.
“They’ve transformed The Show into a brand-new Agua Caliente pickleball court—on full display and used for the very first time.” – (Kelly)
Star Matches and Local Fun
The event featured a high-level match between two professional teams—Coachella Valley Scorpions and Seattle Tsunami. It also had a fun, local match between Police Chief Andy Mills and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Van Lierup, which brought laughter and cheers from the audience.
NBC host Tim O’Brien, who is known for working events at Acrisure Arena, served as emcee for the night. He kept the energy up and the crowd excited.
“This crowd is electric. Everyone here in the desert loves pickleball.” – (kelly)
Momentum Builds for the Sport
Pickleball has become more popular across the United States, and events like this one show how it’s gaining attention in local communities. The sport is being played more in cities, parks, and schools, and even talked about as a possible new event in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The celebration at Agua Caliente Casinos gave fans a chance to see how the sport can grow in fun and competitive ways. NBC Palm Springs plans to share full match results and interviews with players in upcoming broadcasts.
News in Brief: Rancho Mirage Pickleball Showdown
Pickleball lit up The Show at Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage on May 15, with a pro match between the Coachella Valley Scorpions and Seattle Tsunami. The event, celebrating National Pickleball Month, also featured a fun match between local police and fire chiefs, drawing an excited crowd of fans.
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