The second annual Martin Luther King Tournament at Armory Pickleball will take place from January 17 to January 20, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. Set in the heart of the city, the tournament will attract pickleball players from across the region, providing a competitive platform with various skill-level brackets. This pickleball event will run over four days, offering a dynamic schedule of doubles events for men, women, and mixed teams. With a growing interest in pickleball across the country, this event at Armory Pickleball is ready to become a staple for regional players.
Tournament Schedule and Event Breakdown
The MLK Tournament will kick off on Friday, January 17, with a packed lineup of 60+ doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles events. Saturday, January 18, will feature women’s doubles, with competitions divided into skill levels ranging from 3.0 to 4.5+.
The following day, Sunday, January 19, will host mixed doubles events across the same skill levels, ensuring players can test their teamwork and strategy across various formats. The tournament will conclude on Monday, January 20, with men’s doubles events, again divided by skill level.
The schedule is designed to offer ample opportunities for competition, but players should note that start times are estimates and will be finalized once registration is closed. This flexibility helps accommodate the expected turnout, with event times subject to change depending on registration numbers.
Registration and Pricing Details
Registration for the tournament opened on November 12, 2024, and will remain open until January 10, 2025. The initial registration fee is $50, though prices will increase to $60 starting December 1.
Participants can register for one event with the base registration fee, with additional events priced at $20 each. A $5 service fee applies for the first two events through Pickleball Brackets, and all players are encouraged to finalize their registration promptly to avoid any delays or complications.
The tournament is also offering discounts for Armory Pickleball members, provided they register through the Pickleball Brackets platform and verify their membership. Players are reminded that when registering with a partner, both individuals must complete their registration within three days of each other to avoid being placed on a waiting list.
Rally Scoring Format for Efficient Play
A key feature of the MLK Tournament will be the adoption of rally scoring, a system designed to expedite matches and keep the tournament running on schedule. Rally scoring means that players score a point with every rally, regardless of who serves. This contrasts with traditional scoring, where only the serving team has the opportunity to score points.
Rally scoring is intended to make games faster-paced and more predictable, which is crucial in tournament settings where maintaining a tight schedule is essential.
Players will not switch sides after serving, though they will have the opportunity to change sides during timeouts or after a change of ends. This format also allows for consistent play, ensuring that matches run smoothly and participants experience minimal downtime.
Refund and Cancellation Policies
The tournament has outlined a clear refund policy for registrants. Players can request a full refund minus a $10 service fee up to 30 days before the tournament. From 30 to 15 days before the event, players are eligible for a 50% refund.
No refunds will be issued within 15 days of the tournament unless the event is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund minus a $5 processing fee will be issued.
Prize Money and Additional Events
While most of the events will be focused on competitive play and skill development, one key event will feature prize money: the Open Mixed Doubles competition. The prize pool will be announced closer to the event date, though details suggest an exciting opportunity for top performers to claim a portion of the winnings.
Players competing in other brackets will enjoy the experience and camaraderie of one of the region’s premier pickleball facilities, with Armory Pickleball providing high-quality courts and an organized tournament structure.
The Armory Pickleball venue, located at 525 N State St, Bellingham, WA, is easily accessible, with no parking fees and ample space for participants and spectators.
News in Brief: Martin Luther King Tournament
The second annual Martin Luther King Tournament at Armory Pickleball will be held from January 17-20, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. The four-day event will feature doubles competitions in men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions across various skill levels. Registration opened on November 12, 2024, with fees starting at $50.
Rally scoring will be used to expedite matches, ensuring a fast-paced tournament. This pickleball tournament will include a prize pool for the Open Mixed Doubles competition. Armory Pickleball provides top-notch facilities, with ample parking and a structured schedule, offering a premier experience for competitive pickleball players.
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