The PPA Tour’s Vintage Wooden Paddle Open, scheduled for September 16–21 at Life Time Arden in Sacramento, California, will celebrate pickleball’s 60th anniversary by having players compete exclusively with wooden paddles, replicating the original equipment from the sport’s inception. Both professionals and amateurs will participate in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches using these vintage paddles, with tour ranking points and prize money on the line, making the event a competitive test of skill as well as a nostalgic tribute.
Connor Pardoe, CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour, emphasized the importance of honoring pickleball’s origins amid its current surge in popularity. The choice of Life Time Arden—a historic Sacramento fitness venue with extensive pickleball facilities—provides a fitting backdrop that connects the sport’s rich history with its dynamic present, offering players and fans an authentic and exciting celebration of pickleball’s legacy.
