Funky Pickle Classic in Ventnor: This weekend, Ventnor will transform into a vibrant hub of activity as pickleball enthusiasts from across the region converge for the Funky Pickle Classic. But the allure of this event extends beyond just the pickleball courts. The Funky Pickle Classic is as much about the festivities as it is about the sport, offering a block party atmosphere that promises something for everyone.
The Newport Avenue beachfront park won’t host a concert this year, but don’t fret—live music will still be at the heart of the celebration. The action shifts a few blocks north to the Suffolk Avenue recreation center, where Friday and Saturday nights will be filled with live performances from two bands each evening. On Friday, locals will first hear the Voice of Ventnor, Ricky Stevens, at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dynamic The Usual Suspects at 6:30 p.m. The musical journey continues on Saturday night with the Legacy Band at 6 p.m., and The Loop at 7:30 p.m.
Tournament play itself is unique, incorporating a musical twist. Rounds are timed to the beat, with games starting and ending in sync with the music using rally-style scoring. Should the music stop and a tie remain, a final point will determine the victor.
The weekend’s festivities kick off Friday with a Kids Clinic at 4 p.m., open to children aged 8-13, and the celebrity pro-am Commissioners Cup from 3-5 p.m., featuring a spirited pickleball face-off between Ventnor and Margate commissioners. Saturday’s schedule includes the Funky Team Tourney, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring four-person teams (two men and two women), with competitions based on the team’s aggregate rating.
Presented by Atlantic Medical Imaging, the Funky Pickle Classic supports the AMI Foundation and the Dr. Jan Astin Mobile Digital Mammography Van, which provides crucial breast cancer screenings for women lacking health insurance or access to healthcare. This event promises a memorable weekend of sport, music, and community spirit.
News in Brief: Funky Pickle Classic in Ventnor
The Funky Pickle Classic, held in Ventnor this weekend, promises an exciting blend of pickleball and community festivities. The event will take place at the Suffolk Avenue recreation center, featuring live music from local bands.
Friday’s lineup includes Ricky Stevens and The Usual Suspects, while Saturday showcases the Legacy Band and The Loop. The tournament incorporates music into gameplay, with rounds starting and ending with the beat. Additional events include a Kids Clinic and a celebrity pro-am Commissioners Cup. The Funky Pickle Classic, sponsored by Atlantic Medical Imaging, supports the AMI Foundation and Dr. Jan Astin Mobile Digital Mammography Van.
