Greensboro Hosts First USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament Amid Changes in Tournament Landscape
Greensboro Embraces New Title as Host of First USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament
GREENSBORO, N.C. — As the ACC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments bid farewell to Greensboro, the city has found a new title to embrace: “Tournament Town.” This past weekend, Greensboro proudly hosted North Carolina’s inaugural USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament, drawing over 200 players from across the state and beyond.
The excitement was palpable as athletes competed for a coveted spot at the USA Pickleball National Championships, set to take place in San Diego from November 15-23. With national qualifiers being held in 19 states, this tournament provided a unique opportunity for local players to showcase their skills without the long travel.
Kathy Mason, a participant who secured her golden ticket during the event, expressed her enthusiasm: “Just having something in our home state that we don’t have to drive too far for is fantastic. It’s exciting to think we might be heading out to California soon. I’m thrilled that three or four teams from my area medaled!”
Beyond the competition, the tournament also made a significant impact on the community. USA Pickleball partnered with the Special Olympics to host an adaptive pickleball clinic, introducing the sport to around 25 children, many of whom had never stepped onto a pickleball court before. Brenda Puga, USA Pickleball’s director of community relations, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We donated equipment that will remain with the Special Olympics, ensuring that their programming can continue long after we leave.”
The Golden Ticket tournament not only highlighted Greensboro’s potential as a sports hub but also reinforced the city’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. With the success of this event, Greensboro is poised to maintain its reputation as a vibrant destination for sports enthusiasts.
As the city transitions from basketball to pickleball, it seems that Greensboro is ready to embrace its new identity, proving that the spirit of competition is alive and well in the heart of North Carolina.
