Grand Slammers Pickleball Exhibition Branford: Smash Club, a $7 million sports complex in Branford, Connecticut, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, July 20, with a celebrity pickleball exhibition. The event, called the “Grand Slammers Exhibition,” will take place at the Serve & Smash facility from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The celebration will feature a high-level exhibition match with tennis legend Ivan Lendl, five-time pickleball Grand Slam winner Tyson McGuffin, and professional players Ryan Sherry and Tom Lockwood. ESPN host Karl Ravech will serve as master of ceremonies. The match runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet, autograph session, and photo opportunity with the players from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Showcasing Pickleball and Padel
Smash Club promotes itself as “Connecticut’s premier padel and pickleball destination.” The event highlights the growing popularity of these sports and the advanced features of the Serve & Smash venue.
“This event is not just a celebration of athleticism, it’s a showcase of the evolution and excitement surrounding pickleball today,” said Smash Club owner Tom Hinding. “We are honored to welcome some of the sport’s most respected icons to our facility for this one-of-a-kind matchup.”
Guests can enjoy food and drinks from Pasta Cosi’s pizza truck and Rambling Inn Mobile Bar while watching the action.
A Facility Designed for the Future
The Serve & Smash facility offers 10 total courts—eight indoor (six for pickleball and two for padel) and two outdoor. It includes a performance lab, elevated indoor and outdoor terraces with bars and food service, and seating areas. Each of the six indoor pickleball courts features six TVs and built-in cameras for replay viewing and line call corrections. Entertainment features include Joola ping pong tables, cornhole, and a professional sound system.
Marcos del Pilar, known as “The Godfather of Padel in the USA,” helped shape the design and goals of the Serve & Smash facility, according to Tom Hinding.
Expanding the Pickleball Community
Hinding said the opening event allows fans to connect closely with elite athletes and enjoy a fun, social atmosphere. “Attendees will enjoy an up-close experience with top-tier talent and a vibrant social atmosphere to mark the opening of this exciting new venue,” he said.
The exhibition and celebration aim to raise awareness of both pickleball and padel, reflecting their rapid growth in the U.S. and beyond.
News in Brief: Grand Slammers Pickleball Exhibition Branford
Smash Club in Branford, Connecticut, will hold its grand opening on July 20 with a celebrity pickleball match featuring Ivan Lendl, Tyson McGuffin, Ryan Sherry, and Tom Lockwood. The event highlights the club’s state-of-the-art Serve & Smash facility and aims to celebrate the fast-growing popularity of pickleball and padel.
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