San Juan Slam Pickleball Tournament: The Ridgway Pickleball Club is gearing up for its second annual San Juan Slam tournament, set to take place from September 20-22, 2024, in scenic Ridgway, Colorado. Hosted at the town’s Athletic Park, the event is expected to draw players from across the Western Slope for three days of high-intensity pickleball competition. With the picturesque San Juan Mountains as a backdrop, the tournament is quickly becoming a regional favorite.
Sponsored by Citizen’s State Bank, the San Juan Slam offers divisions for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, with skill brackets ranging from 3.0 to 4.5. Friday, September 20, kicks off with the women’s doubles, followed by mixed doubles on Saturday, and wrapping up with the men’s doubles on Sunday. Each division will follow a round-robin format, with medal rounds for top teams. First, second, and third place finishers will walk away with medals, a reward for their skill and endurance over a weekend packed with matches.
The tournament’s registration process, which opened on May 25, 2024, remains open until September 6. A $50 entry fee allows participants to register for up to two events, with an additional $5 service fee for each event. Registration is first-come, first-served, with teams required to register and pay in full to secure a spot in the bracket. Any incomplete registrations will be placed on a waitlist.
The San Juan Slam is more than just a weekend of pickleball; it’s an event that embodies the tight-knit nature of Ridgway’s community. In addition to the matches, there will be a silent auction, food on-site, and official tournament T-shirts available for purchase. Participants are required to be at least 12 years old by December 31, 2024, and must self-rate their skill level. Teams will compete at the highest rating between partners using their USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating (UTPR), if available.
The Ridgway Pickleball Club will be utilizing six outdoor courts with tennis and concrete surfaces, and all matches will be played with Selkirk Pro S1 balls. While there is no entry fee for parking, players are reminded to avoid parking in lots belonging to the neighboring Chipeta Lodge and Resort unless they are registered guests.
One key aspect of the tournament’s appeal is its flexibility. The tournament director reserves the right to modify the format based on the number of registrations, including merging or splitting events as needed. However, the outdoor nature of the tournament means that events could be affected by inclement weather. Players should note that refunds for weather-related cancellations will not be available, and any changes in the schedule will be at the discretion of the tournament organizers.
In its second year, the San Juan Slam promises to offer plenty of excitement and intense competition as it continues to grow in popularity. For Ridgway, it’s another opportunity to showcase its vibrant community spirit, all while providing participants with an unforgettable pickleball experience.
News in Brief: San Juan Slam Pickleball Tournament
The Ridgway Pickleball Club is hosting its second annual San Juan Slam tournament from September 20-22, 2024, at Athletic Park in Ridgway, Colorado. Sponsored by Citizen’s State Bank, the event features divisions for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles across skill levels 3.0 to 4.5. Registration, open until September 6, requires a $50 entry fee, allowing participation in two events. Participants will enjoy a weekend of round-robin matches, with medals for top finishers, alongside community activities like a silent auction and food vendors. This growing tournament showcases Ridgway’s community spirit while delivering thrilling pickleball action.
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