PPA Tour Challenger Series: Baton Rouge will host Louisiana’s first-ever professional pickleball tournament, a major event expected to generate around $800,000 in revenue for the area. The Professional Pickleball Association’s (PPA) Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA will take place April 4-6 at Stacks Pickleball, Louisiana’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
A New Era for Pickleball in Baton Rouge
Stacks Pickleball, located on the Celtic Studios campus, is the state’s first climate-controlled pickleball venue. The complex boasts 12 indoor courts, a pro shop, an event space, and a lounge area, making it a prime location for the prestigious tournament.
The PPA Tour Challenger Series aims to grow the sport by providing opportunities for amateur and aspiring professional players. The series includes more than a dozen stops nationwide throughout 2025, offering players a platform to showcase their skills.
“We look forward to sharing our unique culture with the players and their guests by providing a rich Louisiana experience,” said Visit Baton Rouge Director of Sports Development Jason Suitt.
“As the first professional pickleball tournament held in Louisiana, this event will help elevate Baton Rouge’s position within the fast-growing pickleball community within the state, region and nationally.” – (Jason Suitt said in a statement)
Pickleball’s Growth in Baton Rouge
Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity in Baton Rouge over the past decade. BREC, the city’s parks and recreation system, has offered pickleball since 1997 and now provides 84 courts at 21 locations across East Baton Rouge Parish, including indoor and outdoor courts.
The city has also seen a surge in private pickleball venues. Electric Pickle opened courts at Electric Depot on Government Street in July 2024, and Court to Table, a new pickleball-themed bar and restaurant, is set to open on Burbank Drive later this year.
More Major Tournaments Coming to Baton Rouge
The PPA Tour Challenger Series is not the only high-profile sports event coming to Baton Rouge. The city will also host the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the nation’s largest bowling tournament, from March 1 to July 28 at the Raising Cane’s River Center.
The bowling tournament is expected to bring a massive economic boost, with an estimated impact of $110 million. Baton Rouge last hosted the event in 2012, and its return shows the city’s growing reputation as a premier sports destination.
What’s Next for Baton Rouge’s Pickleball Scene?
With the arrival of the PPA Tour Challenger Series and continued investment in pickleball facilities, Baton Rouge is positioning itself as a key player in the sport’s expansion across Louisiana and the South.
The city’s commitment to hosting major sporting events will likely continue to drive economic growth and attract more top-tier tournaments in the future.
News in Brief: PPA Tour Challenger Series
Baton Rouge will host Louisiana’s first professional pickleball tournament, the PPA Tour Challenger Series, from April 4-6 at Stacks Pickleball. The event is expected to generate $800,000 in revenue. Along with this, the city will also host the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, bringing an estimated $110 million economic impact.
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