UPA World Championships at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) is gearing up for the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas this week, promising to be the largest and most exciting event in the sport’s history.
Last year, the UPA partnered with the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to host the USA Pickleball National Championships, drawing massive crowds and generating millions in revenue. This year, however, the two organizations have split, with the Nationals being held in Mesa, Arizona, and the Worlds taking place in Dallas.
UPA President Connor Pardoe is expecting big things from this year’s event, projecting $5.5 million in total revenue. With 3,600 players expected to participate in pro and amateur matches, along with a 25-30% increase in spectators, the World Championships are shaping up to be a true festival of pickleball.
Tickets are selling fast, with three tiers available for purchase, including general grounds passes, courtside passes, and VIP passes. Corporate hospitality packages are also available for those looking to experience the event in style.
The Brookhaven Country Club, with its 80 permanent pickleball courts, will serve as the perfect venue for the tournament. A temporary 2,100-seat stadium will be erected for the event, with Aramark providing food and beverage services and Pickleball Central handling merchandise sales.
In addition to the on-court action, the UPA has planned a variety of festival activities, including Pickleball BLVD, a strip of F&B, sponsor, and concert activations. Celebrity appearances, including Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Terrell Owens, will add to the excitement of the event.
With sponsors like Lapiplasty, Deep Eddy Vodka, and A-B InBev on board, the UPA has seen a significant increase in sponsorship revenue. Pardoe is confident that the event will not only cover its costs but also exceed expectations in terms of scale and excitement.
As the pickleball community eagerly awaits the start of the World Championships, Pardoe and his team are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, spectators, and sponsors alike.