Pickleball Tournament in Berlin: Berlin is gearing up for an exciting weekend as it hosts its inaugural pickleball tournament PKLNPALOOZA, from August 16-18. This event, held at Worcester Preparatory School’s outdoor tennis courts, promises to be a highlight on the local sports calendar. In case of rain, matches will be shifted indoors to the school’s gymnasium.
The tournament, priced at $45 per entry, aims to raise funds for Diakonia, a nonprofit assisting low-income and homeless individuals, as well as support the creation of a pickleball club at Worcester Preparatory School. “We are trying to introduce the town to pickleball,” noted Mike O’Malley, Worcester Prep’s basketball coach and tournament organizer. “The sport is exploding and is on fire and is not slowing down anytime soon.”
Open to All Skill Levels
Open to all skill levels, the tournament invites players from ages five to 100. Participants are encouraged to submit their skill ratings, with the event accommodating everyone from novices to seasoned competitors. “We are opening the tournament up to anyone,” O’Malley said. “Anyone from five to 100 can sign up, any skill level…It is going to be laid back for the whole family.” For those unfamiliar with their rating, beginners are advised to enter as such.
Opening Night and Event Schedule
The event will commence with an opening night on August 16, featuring bracket reveals, skill challenges, and pickle pong, a non-alcoholic twist on beer pong. A happy hour at Sinepuxent Brewing will follow. Competitions will continue with men’s and women’s doubles on August 17, and youth, family, and mixed doubles on August 18. Each day will conclude with a happy hour, with venue details to be announced.
Food Trucks and Prizes
O’Malley is also exploring the possibility of food trucks to enhance the event experience. Interested vendors are encouraged to reach out via [email protected]. The tournament will award cash prizes to the top three finishers in the upper division, with specific amounts to be determined. “The happy hour is a way to get people together to get drinks, meet everyone, and network with other pickleball players, the fastest growing community in the world,” O’Malley explained.
Long-Term Vision for Pickleball in Worcester County
The event’s goal extends beyond just a weekend of competition. O’Malley envisions fostering a dedicated pickleball community in Worcester County and is even pursuing a USA Pickleball certified coach for periodic town ratings.
“The sky is the limit,” he said. “Just look at what the sport has done for entire communities worldwide. I hope this will be a taste of pickleball, and years down the road, we will have more dedicated pickleball facilities and more middle school and high school teams. It is such a unifying sport and has brought so many people together. I want to bring the town together. It’s already so tight knit, but if anything can do it, it’s pickleball. I’m hoping to unleash its powers on Worcester County and Berlin.”
| Category | Details |
| Event Name | PKLNPALOOZA |
| Dates | August 16-18, 2024 |
| Location | Worcester Preparatory School, Berlin |
| Entry Fee | $45 |
| Tournament Open To | All skill levels and ages |
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament in Berlin
Berlin will host its first-ever pickleball tournament, PKLNPALOOZA, from August 16-18 at Worcester Preparatory School. The event, aimed at benefiting Diakonia and funding a new pickleball club, will feature matches on outdoor courts, with an indoor backup in case of rain. Open to players of all skill levels and ages, the tournament will include various events, from men’s and women’s doubles to mixed and youth doubles. Opening night will feature skills challenges and a happy hour at Sinepuxent Brewing. The tournament seeks to build a pickleball community and may include food trucks and cash prizes for top players.
Also Read: New Pickleball and Badminton Academy Set to Elevate McKinney’s Sports Scene
