Eastern Shore Art Center Pickleball Tournament: The Eastern Shore Art Center will hold its first pickleball tournament on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Lott Park in Daphne, Alabama. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. and continues through 6:00 p.m. All proceeds will support art programs and outreach at the Eastern Shore Art Center.
This community event invites both pickleball players and non-players to enjoy a full day of games, food, art activities, music, and more. Participants can register online at esartcenter.org or by using the QR code provided on flyers and social media. All players will receive a tournament T-shirt, and winners will get medals and prizes.
Fun for All, On and Off the Court
Adrianne and Pat from the Eastern Shore Art Center shared event details during a recent studio visit.
“It’s two weeks now. I think July 26th, it’s a Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m. in the morning, going until about 6:00 p.m. Going to have games going on all day long,” (Adrianne).
Even though this is the first year for the tournament, excitement is building among players and supporters. Pat added,
“As you mentioned, the art bashes are going on right now, the summer programs for kids, but in addition to that, we do outreach into the community. And then we do exhibitions upstairs in the galleries, which are currently closed for renovation, but it’s all good.”
Art, Food, Music, and a Cold Plunge
The tournament is designed to bring the community together through more than just sports. Lindsay Lawrence, the community outreach director, will host an art tent where guests can make watercolor paintings or design paper fans to look like pickleball paddles.
“There’s going to be food trucks out there, art projects,”. “Even if you’re not playing in the actual event, you can still participate in the event as an artist.”(Adrianne)
A cold plunge station will be set up to help players cool off during breaks, making it a unique and refreshing addition to the day.
Strong Support from Local Sponsors
The event is supported by several sponsors, including Ladrego with State Farm as the title sponsor. Others include JJPR, 68 Ventures, Prestwood Law Firm, Tommy and Becky Myers, FOX10 News as media sponsor, and iHeart Radio for music.
“We are so thankful to Ladrego with State Farm. He’s our title sponsor,”. “We’ve got Tommy and Becky Myers and yeah, some great people including I might add Fox New Fox 10 as our media sponsor. So, thank you.”(Adrianne)
Raffle and Prizes Add to the Fun
A raffle hosted by Portside Pickle in Pensacola will offer two pickleball paddles, two balls, and an eraser. Visitors can purchase tickets at the event for a chance to win. Prizes and medals will be awarded to tournament winners, making competition exciting for participants.
“Did we talk about the raffle as well? Yes. So thank you to Portide Pickle. They are actually hosting a raffle that you can buy tickets for,”. “It’s two paddles, two balls, and an eraser.”(Adrianne)
A Day for Everyone in the Community
The event aims to offer something for everyone—athletes, art lovers, families, and fans. Organizers hope it will bring people together during the gallery’s summer renovation period and continue the center’s mission of art education, outreach, and community involvement.
“I will be out there. Several people from Fox 10 will be there as well,”. “We want to see you.”(Lenise Ligon)
News in Brief: Eastern Shore Art Center Pickleball Tournament
The Eastern Shore Art Center will host its first pickleball tournament on July 26, 2025, at Lott Park in Daphne, Alabama. The event features games, art activities, music, food trucks, and raffles. Proceeds will support art programs. Registration is open online, with T-shirts and prizes for participants.