ESPN Honolulu Open Pickleball Tournament: The inaugural ESPN Honolulu Open is scheduled for April 10-13, 2025, at the Hawaii Convention Center. This pickleball event, hosted by ESPN Honolulu, aims to establish itself as Hawaii’s premier pickleball tournament. With 33 indoor courts available, the tournament promises to attract players and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Registration Details
Registration for the ESPN Honolulu Open opens on November 1, 2024, at 8:00 AM PST and closes on March 31, 2025. The initial registration cost is set at $100, with a price increase to $125 effective December 31. Participants must register promptly, as players who fail to pay their fees within 14 days may be moved to the waitlist. The registration structure includes early, standard, and late options, with specific deadlines for each.
Tournament Format and Schedule
This pickleball tournament will feature a robust format, offering both amateur and semi-professional divisions. Players will compete in Round Robin matches, with playoffs determining the top teams. For events with four to five teams, games will be played to 15 points, while six to seven teams will compete to 11 points. The tournament structure includes various age and skill brackets, ensuring competitive play for all participants.
The schedule outlines a series of events, starting with senior mixed doubles on April 10, followed by senior women’s and men’s doubles on April 11. The following days will feature women’s and men’s doubles, as well as mixed doubles, with each event catering to specific age and skill levels.
Rules and Regulations
As a non-sanctioned tournament, the ESPN Honolulu Open will adhere to Official USA Pickleball rules. Matches will be self-refereed, with a head referee available to address disputes. The tournament director holds the authority to combine events if necessary, but awards will reflect the original event structure. Equipment standards will vary by division, allowing for the use of UPAA-approved paddles in higher skill categories.
Refund Policy and Venue Information
The tournament has implemented a refund policy with a $20 administrative fee for requests made before March 31, 2025. Following this date, refunds may be reduced by up to 50%. The Hawaii Convention Center will serve as the event venue, providing ample space for the anticipated influx of players and spectators. While parking will incur a fee, the venue’s location offers convenient access for all attendees.
The ESPN Honolulu Open is poised to become a significant annual event in the pickleball calendar, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in Hawaii and beyond.
News in Brief: ESPN Honolulu Open Pickleball Tournament
The inaugural ESPN Honolulu Open is set for April 10-13, 2025, at the Hawaii Convention Center, aiming to be Hawaii’s premier pickleball tournament. Registration opens on November 1, 2024, with an initial fee of $100, increasing to $125 after December 31. The tournament will feature amateur and semi-professional divisions in a Round Robin format, culminating in playoffs. Events include senior mixed doubles and various age-specific doubles. Matches will follow USA Pickleball rules, and a refund policy is in place. The event promises to enhance the visibility of pickleball in Hawaii and attract participants globally.
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