GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hundreds of pickleball competitors are expected in Grand Rapids for the annual Beer City Open, as the tournament kicks off Tuesday.
Leaders with the tournament say 1,200 competitors from more than half of the United States and over 10 countries worldwide are expected to compete this week.
New for this year, leaders say Major League Pickleball (MLP) is hosting their Mid-Season Tournament in conjunction with the Open.
22 professional teams will compete for the Beer City Open title. MLP will also offer $200,000 in professional prize money, according to a news release.
"This is the sixth year of doing the Beer City Open, but the first year that we've been partnered with Major League pickleball, and this is the mid season tournament," said Dan McConnon, owner of Grand Rapid's All In Pickleball Gym. "This is the first tournament where all of the pros for the teams are in one location. So, it's incredibly special to have it here in Grand Rapids."
McConnon said he hopes people who have never played pickleball come out to watch a match and see what it's all about.
"What's really exciting is pickleball has grown so much that it's becoming the first sport for so many kids, for so many young adults, which is the fastest growing sector in pickleball," he said.
The tournament starts Tuesday and runs until Sunday, July 14 at Belknap Park. All matches are free to watch, but event organizers encourage anyone coming out to make a parking plan, as parking will be limited. There will also be food trucks and vendors on site.
You can click here for a full schedule of events.
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