Get ready to swing and celebrate because it’s that time of the year again – National Pickleball Day has arrived! This special day is all about embracing the pickleball fever that unites enthusiasts worldwide.
The Birth of a Beloved Game: The Origins of Pickleball
And why is August 8th the chosen date? Well, it’s as easy as 1-2-3: the 8th day of the 8th month! As we mark this day, we also celebrate the 58th anniversary of pickleball’s inception.
Travel back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where innovation sparked a revolution. Joel Pritchard, ex-congressman, joined forces with Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, concocting makeshift paddles from plywood and wielding a Wiffle ball. The badminton net was lowered to tennis height and voilá – pickleball was born, redefining the sports scene.
A Growing Influence
As the years rolled by, pickleball’s influence grew and grew.
Barney McCallum took a leap and designed the iconic M2 model paddle, propelling pickleball to new heights. In 1972, he founded Pickleball, Inc., introducing wooden paddles.
Another milestone occurred in 1984 with the inaugural United States Pickleball National Championships. The game’s global standing soared when Glendolyn Sánchez-Vicario represented Spain in pickleball at the 2002 Special Olympics.
2016 marked the debut of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Florida.
From Obscurity to Ubiquity: A Phenomenal Rise
The numbers don’t lie: between 2016 and 2019, the pickleball player count skyrocketed to a staggering 3,300,000, and pickleball was dubbed the fastest-growing sport by the Sport and Fitness Association in 2021.
National Pickleball Day, conceived in 2021 by pickleball instructor Deirdre Morris, plays a crucial role in welcoming more enthusiasts to the court.
Oh, Canada! National Pickleball Day Celebrations North of the Border
Across the border, Canada joins the pickleball party with its own National Pickleball Day on August 12th. The second Saturday of August is when the Canadians’ celebration of the sport unites players nationwide.
Ready to dive in? A special toolkit awaits to help you celebrate this day in style, complete with logos, social media frames, and sample posts.
Serve, Rally, Win: National Pickleball Day Tournaments and Events
If you’re on the lookout for some action today, there’s plenty to choose from. The City of Reno is hosting an exhilarating National Pickleball Day event at the Reno Tennis Center.
Brace yourself for an intense one-day tournament at the Playground Wellness Center & Pickleball Playground in Spokane, WA.
Don’t miss the grand opening of the Sunriver Resort in Oregon today, either. Read our special coverage of the event in this article.
Other tournaments are reaching their climax today:
- Surf City Pickleball Tournament in Huntington Beach, CA.
- The Springs Classic in Colorado Springs, CO.
- Gamma Pickleball Classic at David L Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Branson Championship Experience 2021 at Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO.
- Hot August Nights @ Sunset at the Pickleball Complex at Sunset Regional Park in Las Vegas, NV.
Let’s Make a Racket: National Pickleball Day Celebrations Are in Full Swing!
It’s a day to remember – a celebration of passion, camaraderie, and the unique charm of pickleball. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or rallying like a seasoned pro, National Pickleball Day is a reminder of the sport’s remarkable journey from invention to global sensation. So grab your paddles, gather your friends, and serve up a celebration that’s as vibrant as the pickleball community itself!
