USA Pickleball’s Foley Event: USA Pickleball’s Foley Event has chosen Foley, Alabama, as one of the five nationwide hosts for the inaugural Select Series tournament, set to start at the Foley Event Center from August 23-25. The city’s selection highlights its reputation as a premier destination for pickleball competition, supported by its history of successful events.
City’s Proven Track Record
Lance Cowart, Managing Director of National Championships at USA Pickleball, emphasized that Foley’s previous successes in hosting pickleball events played a crucial role in the selection.
“USA Pickleball Select Series aims to create an incredible player experience and highlight amazing pickleball venues across the nation to continue growing the sport. Whether it’s someone’s first tournament or they’re a seasoned player, we want to ensure we’re fostering the sport at all levels and across all regions. Our team is excited to return to Foley Event Center and co-host an amazing event for our members with the City of Foley.” – (Cowart)
Local Support and Anticipation
David Thompson, Executive Director of Leisure Services for Foley, echoed the excitement about the event.
“We are honored that USA Pickleball has allowed us to host a Select Series competition. Pickleball is a sport that is accessible to everyone at every age and that’s how we like to view our city as well. There is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy here. That’s what makes this the perfect partnership and one we hope to grow well into the future.” – (Thompson )
A National Spotlight for Pickleball
USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S., continues to drive the sport’s growth by ensuring high-quality competition is accessible nationwide. The Select Series includes five regional hosts: Foley (Gulf Coast), Manasquan, New Jersey (North Mid-Atlantic), Richmond, Virginia (Mid-Atlantic), Colorado Springs, Colorado (Great Plains), and Fairfield, California (Wine Country). This strategic expansion aims to nurture pickleball’s growth across diverse regions.
Foley’s Strategic Vision
Pickleball was integral to Foley Sports Tourism’s vision from the outset. When the Foley Event Center opened in 2017, pickleball lines were incorporated into the design, setting the stage for future tournaments. The venue’s success was further solidified by hosting the USA Pickleball Atlantic South Regional in 2021. Thompson emphasized the city’s commitment to hospitality and community spirit, which has become a defining feature of its growing sports tourism appeal.
“Our city is special. Every single person who lives here knows that to their core. The best part is they want to share that beauty with those who visit and help them create lasting memories that keep them coming back. Foley is quickly growing into a sports destination and a huge part of that is because of our welcoming community.” – (Thompson)
News in Brief: USA Pickleball’s Foley Event
USA Pickleball’s inaugural Select Series tournament will take place at the Foley Event Center from August 23-25, with Foley selected as one of five national hosts. The city’s strong track record in hosting successful pickleball events played a key role in its selection. USA Pickleball aims to enhance player experiences and foster the sport’s growth across the country.
Foley, already a growing sports destination, features pickleball lines in its Event Center design, reflecting its commitment to the sport’s expansion. Other host cities include Manasquan, NJ, Richmond, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, and Fairfield, CA.
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