Santa Barbara Open Pickleball Tournament: The first Santa Barbara Open for pickleball is taking place this weekend at the Dynamite Pickleball courts at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The three-day event runs from Friday through Sunday and features more than 250 players. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The Santa Barbara Open includes men’s doubles on Friday, women’s doubles and men’s singles on Saturday, and mixed doubles on Sunday. Friday’s matches begin at 2:45 p.m. and run until about 8 p.m. Saturday’s games start at 8:15 a.m. with women’s doubles, followed by men’s singles at 1:35 p.m. Sunday’s mixed doubles start at 8:15 a.m.
Strong Growth for Dynamite Pickleball
Dave Wilcox, owner of Dynamite Pickleball, said the Santa Barbara Open has quickly become one of the biggest tournaments in the area.
“We’ve had several other tournaments (at Dynamite Pickleball) but this is the first one we’re calling the Santa Barbara Open,” said Dave Wilcox.
The name Santa Barbara Open is already used in beach volleyball and tennis, but this is the first time it’s being used for a pickleball event.
Teamwork with Diamond League Pickleball
Dave Wilcox shared that Dynamite Pickleball is working with Diamond League Pickleball, a group based in Los Angeles that organizes tournaments across California. Together, they planned the Santa Barbara Open to bring in players from other cities.
“The idea was, ‘Let’s team up with the L.A. group and that will pull a lot of that L.A., Bakersfield connection up here.’ And, the idea would be they’re getting connected to the Santa Barbara people and, when they have a tournament down the road, our, if you want to call them, ‘tournament junkies’ will travel down there.”
The partnership has already started to bring in players from places like Las Vegas and Bakersfield.
“We’re picking up. We’re getting more out-of-town interest. It’s helping. We get (players) from Bakersfield, Las Vegas, all these hot places, that are excited to come to Santa Barbara to enjoy the 60- to 80-degree weather,” said Dave Wilcox.
Diamond League Pickleball also offers training and clinics, making them a good match for Dynamite Pickleball’s goals.
“The Diamond League run tournaments and do some clinics as well. They are a similar type of organization to Dynamite. It’s been a good little partnership.”
A Boost for the Local Pickleball Scene
The tournament shows how fast the sport is growing in Santa Barbara. Since Dynamite Pickleball set up at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in 2023, more players have joined each event. With help from Diamond League Pickleball, the Santa Barbara Open could become a key stop for players from all over California and beyond.
News in Brief: Santa Barbara Open Pickleball Tournament
The Santa Barbara Open pickleball tournament is being held this weekend at the Dynamite Pickleball courts. Over 250 players are competing in the three-day event. Organized by Dave Wilcox and partnered with Diamond League Pickleball, the tournament brings top talent to Santa Barbara and helps grow the local pickleball scene.
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