Chippewa Valley’s PPA Debut: The Chippewa Valley will welcome the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger tournament for the first time in the summer of 2025. Scheduled for July 25-27, the debut event will take place at Lake Hallie Pickleball Courts and Northstar Middle School in Eau Claire. The tournament is expected to attract hundreds of pickleball players and spectators.
The announcement, made in early December, stems from a collaboration between Visit Eau Claire, Go Chippewa County and the Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club. The Lake Hallie facility, boasting 18 courts and recognized as Wisconsin’s largest pickleball complex, played a pivotal role in securing the event.
Anticipated Attendance and Impact
The PPA aims to see between 400 and 600 participants at the tournament’s premiere, according to Visit Eau Claire’s Luke Alexopoulos. With the Gower Park facility and Northstar Middle School’s 12 courts just 1.5 miles apart, the Chippewa Valley is poised to host many players and visitors.
“It is difficult to gauge (the exact number of estimated participants) because it’s a first-time event, but the PPA is aiming for 400-600 participants in the debut event.” – (Luke Alexopoulos)
Elevating the Game: PPA Challenger Series
The Wisconsin PPA Challenger is part of the Challenger Series powered by JOOLA, which seeks to provide amateur players with grassroots opportunities and a path to professional play.
“We’ve been excited to create more grassroots opportunities for amateur players, as well as a structured pathway to the Carvana PPA Tour for aspiring professionals, and we have done just that with the Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA. This new tour will not only elevate the level of play but also inspire and motivate amateurs to reach new heights in their pickleball journey while bringing the PPA Tour’s brand of electric pickleball action to new levels of intensity.” – (Connor Pardoe, CEO of Carvana PPA Tour)
Event Details and Spectator Opportunities
While registration for players is set to open in the coming weeks, spectators can already purchase daily passes for $15, with free admission for children under 8. Select matches will also be streamed live on the Tennis Channel app, giving fans across the country a chance to experience the excitement.
News in Brief: Chippewa Valley’s PPA Debut
The Chippewa Valley will host the first Wisconsin PPA Challenger series tournament from July 25-27, 2025, at Lake Hallie Pickleball Courts and Northstar Middle School. The event, organized by Visit Eau Claire and Go Chippewa County, aims to attract 400-600 players.
Featuring the PPA Challenger Series powered by JOOLA, it will provide amateurs with pathways to professional play. Spectator tickets are $15 per day, with select matches streamed on the Tennis Channel app.
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