Pickleball enthusiasts will have the exciting opportunity next month to participate in the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament at Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle in Encinitas.
A Charitable Cause
The event, organized by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees and professional surfer Rob Machado, is an integral part of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival and will contribute all proceeds to the charitable cause of Feeding San Diego.
The event is scheduled for Friday, September 8, from noon to 4 p.m. and offers various engagement options for pickleball aficionados. Attendees can engage in matches against professional players, challenge celebrities on the court, or compete for tournament titles either individually or as part of a team.
Additionally, there will be opportunities for recreational play and the chance simply to relish the event’s atmosphere as a spectator.
Participation Options
- Play alongside a professional: $500.
- Play against a celebrity: $500.
- Tournament entry (individual): $175, or $300 per team.
- Recreational play (individual): $125, or $225 per team.
- Spectator pass (includes refreshments): $100.
Ticket Holders
Ticket holders will enjoy hosted meals courtesy of sponsors such as Baja Vida Jerky, Dang Brother Pizza, Lia’s Lumpia, NuttZo Bars, Palmys Pacific Beach Tacos, Sweetgreen Healthy Bowls, and Temaki Hand Rolls.
A selection of cocktails and beverages will also be available, generously provided by sponsors, including Taptruck Cocktails, AleSmith .394, Ashland, Celsius, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Nova Kombucha, Rancho La Puerta (Agua Frescas), Safu Sake, Volley Tequila Seltzer, and Whispering Angel.
Engaging Sportsmanship
The event promises a day of engaging sportsmanship, delectable refreshments, and a vibrant atmosphere, all the while contributing to the noble cause of Feeding San Diego.
Whether you’re a passionate pickleball player, an enthusiastic spectator, or simply eager to support a meaningful initiative, the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament offers an all-encompassing experience.
Drew Brees
Drew Brees is a former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. He played in the NFL for 20 years and won Superbowl XLIV in 2010 when the Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. Brees was voted Finals MVP.
In 2003, Brees and his wife, Brittany, founded the Brees Dream Foundation to support cancer patients and research in memory of Brittany’s aunt, who died of cancer.
In July last year, he joined the ownership team of the Austin, TX-based MLP team, The Mad Drops.
“I am an avid pickleball player, fan, and student of the game. The opportunity to be a part of the ownership group of the Mad Drops PC is something I’m extremely excited about.”
Drew Brees
Drew Brees wasn't kidding about getting involved in pickleball. https://t.co/IIcFYfUO4i
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 21, 2022
Rob Machado
Rob Machado is an American professional surfer.
He won the US Open of Surfing in 1995 and the Pipeline Masters in 2000 while competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour from 1993 to 2001. Since then, he has become a “professional free surfer.”
Click here to find more of our articles featuring Drew Brees.
