Pickleball Vintage Wooden Paddle Tournament: The Carvana PPA Tour has announced the Pickleball Central Vintage Wooden Paddle Open, an event marking the 60th anniversary of pickleball. The tournament will take place from September 16 to 21 at Life Time Arden in Sacramento, California, and will feature both professionals and amateurs playing exclusively with wooden paddles.
A Throwback Experience
Every participant will receive a custom wooden paddle designed to look like those used when pickleball was created in 1965. Players in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles will all compete using the same equipment, making it a true throwback experience.
With tour ranking points and prize money on the line, the competition is set to be more than just a nostalgic event. It will serve as a test of skill under equal conditions, challenging players to adapt to the original style of play.
Honoring the Sport’s Roots
Connor Pardoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Carvana PPA Tour, highlighted the importance of the event.
“As the sport of pickleball is currently enjoying a period of enormous success and popularity, it’s important to look back on where we came from and honor the traditions, equipment, and style of gameplay that led us to where we are today,” Pardoe said.
He added, “The Pickleball Central Vintage Wooden Paddle Open tournament will transport avid pickleball fans and enthusiasts back to 1965, when pickleball first began, but deliver all the community and excitement that the sport brings to players today.”
Venue Adds to the Celebration
The choice of Life Time Arden as the host venue adds to the occasion. A Sacramento landmark since 1953, Arden recently opened its athletic country and racquet club. The facility features 34 pickleball courts across 78,000 square feet, making it an ideal location to connect pickleball’s history with its present growth.
Significance of the Event
This tournament not only honors pickleball’s history but also shows how far the sport has come in six decades. By blending tradition with modern competition, the event highlights pickleball’s lasting appeal and growing popularity across the world.
News in Brief: Pickleball Vintage Wooden Paddle Tournament
The Carvana PPA Tour will host the Pickleball Central Vintage Wooden Paddle Open in Sacramento, California, from September 16–21. Players will compete using wooden paddles to celebrate the 60th anniversary of pickleball. The event combines history, competition, and community spirit at Life Time Arden’s 34-court facility.
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