PickleCon Debut in Kansas City: The Kansas City Convention Center was transformed this weekend as it hosted the inaugural PickleCon. This event showed pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity, drawing hundreds of players and referees from across the country.
“Once you get on the court, you’re hooked,” said Daryl Wyatt, player and part-owner of the Kansas City Stingers. Referee coordinator Bob Swisshelm added a touch of humor, stating,
“Say bye to your spouse, say bye to your kids. Be careful ’cause it’s addictive.”
A Hub for Pickleball Enthusiasts
With over 130 vendors, pickleball clinics, and professional pickleball tournaments, PickleCon served as the ultimate gathering for pickleball enthusiasts.
“I think people love meeting new people, I think it’s easy to pick up. Anyone can play. Your grandma can jump on a court with your five-year-old kid, and everyone can have fun.” – (Alyssa Morrison, Executive Director of PickleCon)
A New Chapter for Veterans and Newcomers
Daryl Wyatt, who shifted from professional tennis to pickleball after an injury, reflected on his new passion.
“It brought a new life because you’re learning something you don’t know. So, me at 49, 50, I’m really immersing myself into something that I’m learning, which is a challenge for me. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things.” – (Daryl Wyatt)
Preparing for Growth
With pickleball boasting approximately 36.5 million players in the U.S., the convention also focused on training future referees.
“We tell people that as a referee, you get the best seat in the house. We stand three feet away from the best pickleball players in the world, so it’s been amazing.” – (Swisshelm)
Looking Ahead
PickleCon is slated to return to the Kansas City Convention Center in 2025, promising another opportunity for the growing pickleball community to connect and celebrate their sport.
News in Brief: PickleCon Debut in Kansas City
The Kansas City Convention Center hosted the inaugural PickleCon this weekend, showing pickleball’s surge in popularity. The event featured over 130 vendors, pickleball clinics, and professional tournaments, attracting hundreds of players and referees from across the country.
The convention also trained over 30 new referees to keep pace with the sport’s growth. PickleCon will return to Kansas City in 2025, continuing to serve the expanding pickleball community.
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