PPA Picklr Utah Open Hosts Over 1000 Players: The Salt Palace Convention Center is currently buzzing with excitement as it hosts the Picklr Utah Open, a significant event on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour. With over 1,000 players in attendance, this tournament highlights the sport’s surging popularity and broad appeal.
A Tour of Growth
Bryce Morgan, President of the PPA Tour, emphasizes the importance of the event, likening it to the PGA Tour of pickleball. “The PPA tour is really the PGA tour of pickleball, so this week you’ll have a little over 1,000 pickleball players coming here and competing on the amateur and pro level,” Morgan remarked. His statement shows the tournament’s status and the growing interest in the sport.
Utah: A Pickleball Powerhouse
Morgan also noted the deep-rooted connections between the PPA tour and Utah. “The initial founder is from Utah,” Morgan said. He further highlighted that Utah leads the nation in pickleball players per capita, making it a crucial hub for the sport. This regional affinity is not just a statistic but a statement to the state’s enthusiastic pickleball community.
Expanding Popularity
Since its inception, the PPA has witnessed a tremendous rise in pickleball’s popularity. Over 12,000 Utah residents have participated in PPA amateur events, reflecting the sport’s widespread appeal. Morgan expressed optimism about pickleball’s future, suggesting that it could debut as a trial sport in the 2028 Olympics and become a permanent fixture by 2032.
Inclusivity and Fun
Morgan extolled the inclusive nature of pickleball, which appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. “I can play with my daughter, my mom, and my grandma and it’s actually fun. There’s not a lot of sports like that,” he said. This week’s tournament will feature a range of divisions, inviting players from various backgrounds to compete and enjoy the game.
Tickets for the Picklr Utah Open are still available. The tournament will showcase professional matches from Thursday, ending in the championship match on Sunday. This event is a must-see for anyone interested in the dynamic world of pickleball.
News in Brief: PPA Picklr Utah Open Hosts Over 1000 Players
The Picklr Utah Open, hosted at the Salt Palace Convention Center, features over 1,000 players from amateur to professional levels, showing the sport’s rapid growth. The PPA Tour, likened to the PGA Tour of pickleball, has deep ties to Utah, where pickleball enjoys significant popularity. With over 12,000 Utahns participating in PPA events, the sport is on track for Olympic inclusion, potentially as a trial sport in 2028 and a full Olympic sport by 2032. The tournament runs through Sunday, with tickets still available.
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