San Antonio’s CommuniCare Classic: This weekend, the Valero Alamo Bowl and San Antonio Pickleball Association kicked off the third annual CommuniCare Classic at Fairchild Park, San Antonio. Running from Friday to Sunday, the event aims to blend competition with philanthropy, as 100% of the net proceeds will be directed toward scholarships for local students.
“We love being a part of San Antonio’s calendar where you have rodeo season, Fiesta season and then bowl season.” said Rick Hill, vice president of marketing for the Valero Alamo Bowl, referring to the city’s distinct seasons: rodeo, Fiesta, and bowl. He added, “100% of the proceeds are going right back to scholarships.”
Growth of the Event
The tournament has grown rapidly in just one year, with the number of players increasing from 320 to 400. Alongside the main tournament, the weekend features a separate event called the PartyPICKLE round-robin tournament. This expansion highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in the community. The event combines competitive sport and social interaction, making it attractive to players of all skill levels.
“The growth has just gone crazy. You’ll have tons of vendors here, tons of players, tons of spectators.” – (Cindy Waddell, president of the San Antonio Pickleball Association)
A Full Weekend of Action
Each day of the tournament starts early, with competitions beginning at 8 a.m. On Friday, the men’s and women’s singles tournaments were held, while the PartyPICKLE round-robin event entertained participants from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday is dedicated to men’s and women’s doubles, with matches scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday will conclude the tournament with mixed doubles matches.
“If you are trying pickleball for the first time, be careful because you will get the bug,” Waddell remarked, noting how addictive the sport can be for newcomers.
Facility Expansion and Future Contributions
Fairchild Park’s pickleball facilities have expanded as the tournament’s success has grown. What began with just eight temporary courts has now increased to 18 courts. These courts are available for use from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., reflecting the city’s commitment to supporting the sport and its growing popularity. Waddell expressed optimism about the impact the event will have on the scholarship fund, stating,
“I’m hoping with the way this tournament’s going, we have even more to donate back to the scholarship committee.”
Fairchild Park, located at 1214 East Crockett Street, is expected to be packed throughout the weekend with participants and spectators, further fueling the growth of pickleball in San Antonio.
News in Brief: San Antonio’s CommuniCare Classic
The Valero Alamo Bowl and San Antonio Pickleball Association are hosting the third annual CommuniCare Classic at Fairchild Park, San Antonio. Running from Friday to Sunday, the tournament’s net proceeds will be directed toward scholarships for local students. The event has grown significantly, with 400 players participating this year.
Divisions include men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, alongside the PartyPICKLE round-robin tournament. Fairchild Park, which has expanded its pickleball facilities to 18 courts, serves as the venue. Organizers hope the event will generate substantial contributions to the scholarship fund.
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