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Wednesday, June 28, 2023 This festival aims to capitalize on pickleball's popularity in the region, building on Florida's reputation as the pickleball capital of the world.
Pickleball enthusiasts in Miami are in for a treat as Pickle Games Miami plans to host the world's largest pickleball festival. The inaugural event, scheduled for January 13-14 in 2024, will transform Miami Marine Stadium into a massive celebration with over 100 bayfront courts.
The surge in pickleball's popularity is evident across the country, with a sixfold increase in the number of public pickleball courts in major U.S. cities since 2017 from 420 to 2,788. Despite this growth, demand from pickleheads continues to outpace the available facilities.
Miami has responded by opening new courts to meet the needs of its pickleball-loving community, catching up to neighboring areas like Broward County and Southwest Florida.
Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Even NBA star LeBron James has invested in Major League Pickleball, a professional league showcasing the sport's top talent.
Details: Against this backdrop, Pickle Games Miami plans to offer both novice and professional tournaments, as well as fan experiences, specialty vendors, live music, and curated food and beverage options. Tickets: Early bird registration is available online for $400 per team. Included in this price will be two days of play, commemorative merchandise and access to the festival grounds and an athlete village.
"The Pickle Games Miami is a festival and tournament founded to bridge that gap between the competitive pickleballers and first-timers, as well as the general public looking to have a high-energy weekend," Steve Suarez says in a statement.
Steve Suarez, co-founder of Pickle Games, highlights the surging popularity of pickleball in Miami, with new courts, events, and social groups emerging. The festival aims to bridge the gap between competitive pickleball players and newcomers, providing a high-energy weekend for all.