Owensboro’s native pickleball membership is internet hosting the River Metropolis Open from November 4-6. The event — which incorporates divisions for doubles, males, and girls at various talent ranges — will function a fundraiser for Wendell Foster and can happen at Service provider Centre Court docket.
Alex Ross, one of many occasion organizers, mentioned a current spike within the River Metropolis Pickleball Membership (RCPC) membership paired with an urge for food for extremely aggressive play is the first inspiration for the event. Whereas the group has all the time provided in-house tournaments, that is their first regional event with gamers touring from Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, St. Louis, Washington, Pennsylvania, and additional.
“RCPC wished to make this a particular occasion, one thing gamers and guests alike will go away saying, ‘Wow, that was an awesome expertise; I wish to come again subsequent yr,’” Ross mentioned. “So, with the assistance of our occasion sponsors, we’re doing the whole lot we are able to to reinforce the event expertise for all these concerned and make Owensboro a pickleball vacation spot within the area.”
Whereas the price to take part is $45, admission for spectators is free. Ross mentioned their presenting sponsor, Exit 107 Houses, performed a pivotal position in “getting the ball rolling.”
“Most significantly, this occasion is an effective way to boost cash for an unbelievable group in Wendell Foster,” he mentioned. “After the event, all internet proceeds might be donated to Wendell Foster. And if this event goes nicely, we hope to do the identical for a brand new native charity every year.”
RCPC was based in 2019 to assist set up the native pickleball gamers of Owensboro and Daviess County. The group’s mission is to unfold the enjoyable and curiosity of pickleball, promote well being and wellness, and provides again to the neighborhood.
“Since 2019, our membership has seen immense development, partially to pickleball being the fastest-growing sport within the U.S. for 3 years in a row,” Ross mentioned. “We now have round 400 members starting from rookies to professionals, and with every new courtroom added into the neighborhood, the bigger our membership seemingly turns into.”
The schedule for the Open is as follows:
- November 4: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Aged 50+ males’s and girls’s doubles
- November 5: 8 a.m. to eight p.m., aged 19+ males’s and girls’s doubles
- November 6: 8 a.m. to five p.m., blended doubles
To study extra in regards to the River Metropolis Pickleball Membership, go to their wesbsite. To study extra in regards to the traditional or register, click on right here.
Prime pickleball professional and Owensboro-local Altaf Service provider is internet hosting the event, offering a professional clinic on November 3. The clinic is restricted to 16 registrants and can educate match play and technique for intermediate and superior gamers. The associated fee to take part is $50.
Meals vans will even be on website for meals and beverage purchases through the event.
“Altaf might be round for the social occasion and free play after match play on November 4,” Ross mentioned. “We’re additionally offering meals and drinks to all members freed from cost through the social occasion, thanks in nice half to the generosity of the Metropolis of Owensboro and Go to Owensboro.”