Cody Park Pickleball Courts’ Grand Opening: North Platte Pickleball will hold a Grand Opening celebration at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Cody Park Pickleball Courts. The event will include a special Mayor’s Cup Celebrity Paddle Match with 20 teams, followed by a chance to play against a national pickleball champion.
The tournament will feature teams made up of city leaders, first responders, junior players, and donors who gave $10,000 or more to the Cody Park Project. The top team will earn a spot in a Pro Exhibition match with five-time U.S. Open Champion Laura Fenton Kovanda.
Celebrity Match Features Community Teams
The Mayor’s Cup Celebrity Paddle Match is expected to draw a big crowd. Mayor Brandon Kelliher, former Mayor Dwight Livingston, a city council member, and other local figures will take part. The event will show off the growing popularity of pickleball in North Platte.
Twenty teams are expected to play. Some teams will include junior players partnered with donors who helped make the new courts possible. The highest-scoring team will compete in a Pro Exhibition match alongside Laura Fenton Kovanda.
Pro Clinic for Members Only
Laura Fenton Kovanda will also return to host a two-day pickleball clinic for members of the North Platte Pickleball Club. The clinic will take place on June 24 and June 25 at the Cody Park Pickleball Courts.
Only paid club members can take part in the clinic. The cost is $25 per person. Registration will open on May 1. Players will get the chance to learn directly from the five-time U.S. Open Champion in a small group setting.
Why It Matters
These events are a big step for the local pickleball scene. They show that the sport is not only growing but also bringing people of all ages together. The involvement of well-known community members and a top national player adds excitement.
By hosting public and private events, North Platte Pickleball hopes to grow interest in the sport and encourage more people to join the club. The new courts and special matches are likely to boost participation and help the game grow in the area.
News in Brief: Cody Park Pickleball Courts’ Grand Opening
North Platte Pickleball will host a Grand Opening on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Cody Park. A special celebrity match will include local leaders and donors. Top players will face Laura Fenton Kovanda in an exhibition. She will also lead a club-only clinic on June 24-25.
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