APP Detroit Open Sports Tourism: The 2026 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Detroit Open will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi in late August. The five-day tournament will welcome top professional and amateur players from across the country, bringing both excitement and economic benefits to Metro Detroit.
A Major Event for Detroit
Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission, said,
“We have strategically targeted pickleball as a premier event opportunity for the Detroit market. The 2026 APP Detroit Open is the perfect opportunity to bring this fast-growing sport to our region, help grow our sports tourism calendar, and create positive economic impact for Metro Detroit.”
The tournament will feature brackets for pros and amateurs, with age-based categories. Since 2019, the APP Tour has served as the official professional and amateur circuit with backing from USA Pickleball.
APP Expands Its Reach
APP Founder Ken Herrmann said,
“Our event portfolio has expanded far beyond just APP Tour events, and we truly have something for everyone. Our tournament standards continue to be second-to-none, catered towards all players regardless of age, skill, or status.”
The APP Tour has grown across the country, holding events in cities like Chicago, Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, and Mesa. Matches will also reach a wider audience as TV20 Detroit begins airing APP games on Sunday evenings starting this fall.
Local Excitement in Oakland County
The game’s popularity is already visible in the Detroit area. Oakland County Executive David Coulter said,
“Our courts are multiplying, our leagues are filling up, and people of all ages have a serious case of pickleball fever. So, we welcome the 2026 Association of Pickleball Players Detroit Open to the Suburban Showplace in Novi with open arms.”
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played with paddles and a light plastic ball on smaller courts, making the game fast-paced and easy to pick up.
Impact on the Region
The tournament is expected to boost sports tourism and highlight Metro Detroit as a destination for large-scale athletic events. With growing interest in pickleball at both recreational and professional levels, the 2026 APP Detroit Open may spark further investment in courts, leagues, and community programs across Michigan.
News in Brief: APP Detroit Open Sports Tourism
The 2026 APP Detroit Open will be held in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace in late August. The five-day event will bring top players nationwide and boost Detroit’s sports tourism. Leaders say pickleball’s rapid growth and broad appeal make this event a major win for the region.
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