Heading into 2024, the APP is leading the way in pickleball by introducing a new tournament format aimed at enhancing the experience for amateur players. The debut of this format will take place at the 2024 APP Midwest Open in January, and the change is expected to bring several positive impacts for players.
Maximizing On-Court Time
The new format will prioritize maximizing on-court time and minimizing gaps between games for amateur players. It involves a shift to round-robin or pool play with playoffs, ensuring that all teams or players engage in a minimum of four to six games.
Round robins will comprise a minimum of four and a maximum of six teams or players, with the top four advancing to the playoffs if a bracket consists of more than two pools of six teams or players.
Scoring during the round-robin section will be by one game to 15 points, with winners requiring a winning margin of two points. Medal matches will be best of three games to 11 points, with a two-point margin needed for victory.
Streamlining The Tournament Experience
This modification guarantees players more matches and an extended duration on their designated courts, allowing friends and fans to spectate.
The overarching aim is to enable players to participate in extended blocks of tournament play without waiting for additional matches.
This adjustment is designed to streamline the tournament experience for players, enabling better planning and offering opportunities to watch professional matches on the Championship Court.
A Significant Shift
Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP, highlighted this as a significant shift in tournament management driven by player feedback:
“This is a fundamental change in the way we will run our tournaments, and it’s being done because we asked the players what they want, and they told us — more quality match time and less waiting between games.
“Changing our format, from double elimination to round robin, shows that the APP continues to set the standard in pickleball, something we will always strive to achieve on behalf of the players who are at the heart of our organization.”
2024 APP Midwest Open
The APP will run the APP Midwest Open in parallel with the 2024 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships.
The APP Midwest Open is for players of all ages and skill levels, and amateur registrations for the event are now open.
You can register here.
Grand Park Sports Campus
The 2024 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open will take place at the 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, located 30 miles north of Indianapolis and named the fastest-growing city in the state of Indiana.
Grand Park Sports Campus is home to the Pacers Athletic Center, serves as the training camp home for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, and boasts 57 outdoor fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, and softball.
This event is the first of a multi-year partnership and will mark one of the largest pickleball events ever in the state of Indiana.
It is held in association with Westfield Sports Commission, Hamilton County Sports Authority, Hamilton County Tourism, Indiana Sports and Tourism Bid Fund, and Grand National Racquet Center, a world-class racquet facility in development in Westfield and opening in 2025.
