Hollywood Park Hosts Celebrity Pickleball Event: The 3rd Annual Winterfest brought fun, music, and excitement to Hollywood Park and Casino in Inglewood on December 7th, culminating in a thrilling Celebrity Pickleball tournament hosted by former NBA star Baron Davis. The daylong event combined sports, entertainment, and holiday festivities, offering something for everyone in attendance.
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has gained immense popularity across age groups. According to The New York Times, the sport grew nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021. Often described as a mix of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, pickleball has particularly resonated with the 55+ crowd, keeping seasoned citizens active, social, and engaged.
A Full Day of Festivities
Winterfest kicked off in the morning with a vibrant Farmers’ Market, where attendees explored local produce and artisan goods. Live performances throughout the day included Kinder Fiddles, Musicians at Play, and the Inglewood High Marching Band, which added energy and excitement to the event.
Attendees also enjoyed a pet adoption hour, sponsored by the Lovejoy Foundation Pet Rescue, and holiday-themed activities, including photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
While kids enjoyed inflatable sports centers for basketball and football, adults relaxed at the newly opened Meeting Spot bar and patio. Families joined together for festive activities like DIY Christmas cookie decorating, adding to the holiday cheer.
Pickleball Takes Center Stage
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Celebrity Pickle Ball tournament, hosted by Baron Davis. The tournament drew attention to pickleball’s growing influence across the country, offering a mix of fun and competition for attendees of all ages.
Pickleball’s rapid rise has been a national phenomenon. Combining elements of multiple sports, the game is easy to learn and accessible to players at all skill levels. It has become especially popular among older adults, offering them a way to stay fit and socially active. Events like Winterfest help bring more awareness to the sport and its community-driven appeal.
Baron Davis, a former NBA All-Star turned entrepreneur, has been a vocal advocate for sports events that engage the community. His involvement brought a touch of celebrity flair to the tournament while also promoting health, fitness, and fun. The inclusion of pickleball reflects the growing recognition of the sport as a unifying and entertaining activity.
Community Support and Excitement
One of the highlights for attendees was the $25,000 reward presented to the Inglewood High Marching Band. The reward will sponsor their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they will compete in the prestigious 2025 National Independence Day Parade. The announcement was met with cheers and applause, showing the event’s community-focused goals.
Eventgoers took to social media to share their excitement. Shuree Danyell commented, “We enjoyed it!! Thank You!” on Hollywood Park Casino’s Instagram account. Similarly, On the Wall LA, an online retail company, posted, “We had so much fun!” The enthusiastic feedback highlighted the event’s success in bringing people together for sports and celebration.
Impact and Future of Pickleball Events
The inclusion of pickleball at Winterfest signals the sport’s growing role in community events. As pickleball continues to grow nationwide, more tournaments and events like this are likely to emerge, fostering competition and friendship.
For Hollywood Park and Casino, hosting a pickleball tournament alongside Winterfest added a new dynamic to the festivities. By engaging players, families, and celebrities, the event showed how pickleball can be competitive and community-oriented.
Pickleball’s accessibility and inclusivity make it a sport for all ages, from children learning the basics to adults looking for a social, active lifestyle. Events like Winterfest highlight how sports can bring people together while also supporting local causes, such as the Inglewood High Marching Band’s trip to D.C.
Baron Davis summed it up perfectly: combining community engagement with a fun and active sport like pickleball creates opportunities for connection and celebration. As pickleball continues to grow, events like Winterfest will play a crucial role in its popularity.
Inglewood residents and visitors left Winterfest with lasting memories and new enthusiasm for pickleball—a sport that is quickly becoming a key part of community events nationwide.
News in Brief: Hollywood Park Hosts Celebrity Pickleball Event
The 3rd Annual Winterfest at Hollywood Park & Casino in Inglewood on December 7th featured sports, music, and holiday fun, highlighted by a Celebrity Pickle Ball tournament hosted by former NBA star Baron Davis.
The event celebrated community spirit with live performances, festive activities, and a $25,000 donation to the Inglewood High Marching Band for their trip to the 2025 National Independence Day Parade. Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, took center stage, showing its role in bringing communities together through health, fun, and competition.
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