US Open Pickleball Championships 2024: A Celebration of Growth and Community
Founder Terri Graham Shares Insights on the Phenomenon of Pickleball and the Anticipated Excitement of This Year's Event
In the bustling atmosphere of the East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, where the sun shines bright and the spirit of competition thrives, the stage is set for the annual spectacle that is the US Open Pickleball Championships.
Since its inception in 2016, this event has not only grown exponentially in size but has also become synonymous with camaraderie, passion, and sheer excitement. As we embark on the eighth edition of this thrilling tournament, Kaitlin Miller, host of Kitchentalk-Pickleball Edition, catches up with one of the masterminds behind it all, Terri Graham. From humble beginnings to a phenomenon that draws thousands of players and spectators alike, Terri sheds light on what makes this year's event truly special and why it has become a must-attend for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.
Kaitlin Miller: We're at the US Open Pickleball Championships, and I'm joined by someone very special, one of the founders of the US Open, Terri Graham. Terri, so good to see you. This has been going on since 2016, but we have a big year ahead of us.
Terri Graham: Yeah, this is our eighth US Open Pickleball Championships. We started in 2016 with 800 players, and this year we're going to have 3,200 players. In 2016, hardly anybody knew about pickleball, and now here we are only nine years later, and it's a household name.
Kaitlin Miller: What do you think is so special about this year's event?
Terri Graham: So many people want to try to get into the US Open to play, and if they don't get in to play, they come as spectators. This year, we had over 5,000 players try to get in. It's the biggest pickleball party in the world, and it's on people's bucket lists to just come and experience the energy.
Kaitlin Miller: For someone who's not here, talk to me a little bit about the atmosphere.
Terri Graham: The atmosphere is like none other. It's like a little bit of Woodstock mixed in with a Jimmy Buffett concert. You know, we're going to have Margaritas and Zing Zang Bloody Marys, and we got a bunch of Fat Tire Beer going on. So, it actually is a huge party, and the people come in groups from all over, and they just are here having the times of their life.
Kaitlin Miller: Well, Terri, it's amazing to see what you've done with this event. I'm so happy to be here, and you can live stream all the events on the Pickleball Channel.
Summary:
The US Open Pickleball Championships has kicked off its eighth edition with a record-breaking number of participants and spectators. From its humble beginnings in 2016 with 800 players, the tournament has grown exponentially, drawing in 3,200 players this year, showcasing the sport's meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade. Terri Graham, one of the founders of the US Open, reflects on the event's evolution, attributing its success to the growing enthusiasm for pickleball, which has transformed it from an obscure pastime to a household name.
What sets this year's event apart is not just the sheer number of players but also the palpable energy and camaraderie that permeate the atmosphere. Described as a blend of Woodstock and a Jimmy Buffett concert, the US Open offers a unique experience for both players and spectators, with festivities including Margaritas, Zing Zang Bloody Marys, and Fat Tire Beer. It's more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of community, passion, and the shared love for pickleball.
With over 5,000 players vying for a spot in the tournament, it's clear that the US Open has become a coveted destination for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. For those unable to attend in person, the Pickleball Channel offers live streaming of all the events, ensuring that the excitement of the US Open reaches audiences far and wide.
As the tournament gears up to showcase the best of pickleball talent and spirit, anticipation is high, and the stage is set for another unforgettable year at the US Open Pickleball Championships. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious spectator, this year's event promises to deliver thrills, excitement, and plenty of pickleball magic.
No comments:
Post a Comment