Candy Cane Classic Kicks Off in Macon: A Thrilling Show of Pickleball Talent!

Candy Cane Classic Kicks Off in Macon: The Candy Cane Classic is back for its second year at Rhythm and Rally in Macon, Georgia. Over 800 players from Georgia and surrounding states are competing in the three-day pickleball tournament this weekend. The event, hosted by the Southern Pickleball Association, is also a qualifier for the upcoming Southern Championships set to take place at the same venue in January 2025.

The tournament is a major highlight for pickleball players, showing the world’s fastest-growing sport. Players from various regions are eager to compete in the newly opened, world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, which offers a climate-controlled environment perfect for winter sports.

Southern Pickleball Association Hosts the Event

Paul Midkiff, co-founder of the Southern Pickleball Association, shared his excitement about the event.

“The world’s largest indoor pickleball facility opened up last December this time, and the first tournament that was in this building was the Candy Cane Classic, and we’re back for year two.” – (Paul Midkiff)

The event has quickly grown, attracting participants from all over, with more than 900 people already signed up for the Southern Championships in January.

Free Admission and Holiday Shopping

Spectators are encouraged to attend, as the tournament has no admission fee. In addition to watching the pickleball action, attendees can enjoy holiday shopping, with several vendors present at the venue. The Candy Cane Classic is not only a competitive event but also a fun community gathering during the festive season.

Pickleball’s Growing Popularity

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, in the world, really, and Macon has the best facilities in the southeast, and so when people get a chance to come play pickleball and then play indoors, climate control at this time of year, people will travel to play pickleball.” – (Paul Midkiff)

Macon’s state-of-the-art indoor facility, which opened in December 2023, has quickly become a popular destination for pickleball players across the country. The success of the Candy Cane Classic has confirmed the city’s place as a leading center for the sport.

Looking Ahead to the Southern Championships

The excitement from the Candy Cane Classic will carry over into the Southern Championships next January, where even more players are expected to compete. As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, the Southern Pickleball Association is helping to make Macon a hub for the sport in the southeast.