Following the back-to-back excitement of the Veolia Cape Coral Open and the CIBC Texas Open, we have a whole week before the next PPA tournament - the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. And I truly don’t know what I’m supposed to do between now and then.

Maybe I’ll pass the time playing more pickleball or finding a new pickleball outfit, or perhaps I’ll convince my dubs partner to fly to Utah and play 4.0 mixed with me. Because from the looks of it, this next event is going to be epic.

Here are six reasons why.

1. All your favorite pros will be there

Just because the tournament isn't a Grand Slam on the PPA Tour schedule doesn’t mean the field won't be spectacular.

World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters will be there. We’ll also see Federico Staksrud compete for another gold medal in men's singles. And Quang Duong will put his outstanding skills on display, which is always worth the price of admission.

If you haven’t seen your favorite pros live in person, prepare to be amazed!

 

 

 

 

 

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2. The weather is looking superb

Weather can really make or break a tournament. As much as battling rain delays and relocating indoors are a testament to the players' collective resilience, the ideal conditions are 75 degrees and sunny. And the temperature in Utah is gearing up to be just that.

3. It’s a perfect destination

The event will be held in St. George, Utah at the Little Valley Sports Complex. This little slice of outdoorsy paradise features incredible hiking, bike tours, museums, and close proximity to Zion National Park.   

 

 

 

 

 

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Just imagine watching the pros play against the backdrop of the iconic red sandstone. Forget spring break at the beach, I want to go to the Red Rocks.   

4. Witness a part of pickleball history

There’s truly nothing like sitting in the crowd on Championship Sunday watching a five-game nail-biter between Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau and "The Girlies."

Or witnessing the utter joy and determination of players like Christian Alshon or Hunter Johnson claiming gold. It’s truly an experience unlike any other. And a masterclass in pickleball.

All these special moments are a part of pro pickleball history. And who knows? Someone new could snag a title this time around. 

 

 

 

 

 

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5. Find yourself in the crowd on the broadcast

As the sport continues to grow, the action on Championship court will be filmed and broadcast live on Fox and FS1 throughout the week. So tell your friends at home to tune in and try to spot you in the crowd – I bet they can. 

6. Find community with fellow pickleball players

One of the best parts about attending tournaments is meeting and playing with all your fellow pickleball addicts. Whether you’re competing in the mixed bracket or walking alongside your Junior PPA kid to get their paddle signed by Tyson McGuffin, everyone genuinely loves pickleball as much as you do.

 

 

 

 

 

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Perhaps you’ll meet new friends and doubles partners that are just as obsessed as you are. Attending tournaments is a perfect way to take advantage of the all-important community aspect of pickleball that we all appreciate.

Click here to purchase tickets for the Black Desert Red Rock Open. 

Click here to register to play in the event.