Oil Can Classic Pickleball Tournament: The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, will officially open four new pickleball courts with the launch of the inaugural Oil Can Classic tournament. The event, set on campus at the new College Park area, will welcome more than 30 teams over two days of competitive play.
Tournament Marks Court Opening Celebration
The new pickleball facility will host beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level matches. With over 30 teams registered, the Oil Can Classic will feature bracket play through Saturday, 21st June. The top-performing teams in each division will receive custom-made trophies, celebrating their achievements.
The courts are the only lit pickleball courts in Findlay, allowing play until 11 p.m. and encouraging community members and students to play together under the lights.
A Gift to the Community from AR Marketing
The construction of the courts was made possible through a donation from Eric and Julie Anderson of AR Marketing, a long-time University of Findlay partner. Their son, Charlie Anderson, is a professional pickleball player. The Andersons hoped to create a welcoming space for both local players and university students to enjoy the fast-growing sport.
“AR Marketing depends on the University of Findlay to provide interns, employees, a lot of great young kids coming out of the University of Findlay – the entire community needs University of Findlay, frankly, These are the only lit courts and in Findlay, and so people can play until 11 o’clock at night and and it’s happening. People are showing up, and we’re getting students playing with local residents – it’s awesome. These are dynamite courts. The University of Findlay did a great job putting those in for us.”-(Eric Anderson)
“They’re wonderful, and we love playing on them. I got suckered to play here at the last minute this morning. I did not plan on it, but I have a really, really good partner, so we’re doing all right.”-(Eric Anderson)
A New Summer Tradition in the Making
The event’s organizers, including the University of Findlay’s Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents & Friends, hope this first tournament is just the beginning of an annual community celebration.
“We’re hoping that this continues; we had 30 teams total, eight beginner, seven advanced, and 15 intermediate and so we hope that it continues,” said Lee Ann Ireland, director of The Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents & Friends at the University of Findlay. “It’s great, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Boosting Sports and Community Engagement
The Oil Can Classic not only celebrates the opening of new courts but also represents a growing movement to bring together students and locals through sport. The University of Findlay plans to host the tournament each summer, giving Findlay residents a chance to compete, connect, and enjoy high-quality facilities.
With unique lighting features and a welcoming atmosphere, the new courts are expected to become a popular location for evening games and community engagement.
News in Brief: Oil Can Classic Pickleball Tournament
The University of Findlay is opening four new lit pickleball courts with the first-ever Oil Can Classic tournament. Over 30 teams will compete in beginner to advanced divisions, with winners earning custom trophies. The university plans to make the event an annual summer tradition for students and local players.
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