Around two months after the establishment of Stratton Resort, Vermont’s largest pickleball facility, it is now gearing up to host the inaugural Stratton Open Pickleball Tournament.
A Strategic Decision
Scheduled from Friday to Sunday, September 15th to 17th, the tournament will feature three distinct categories of play each day. Men’s and women’s singles matches are set for Friday, followed by men’s and women’s doubles on Saturday, and mixed doubles on Sunday.
The division of play over separate days was a strategic decision, as explained by Andrew Kimiecik, Digital Marketing Manager for Stratton Mountain:
“I think that format just allows for a greater number of sign-ups and registration. That way, you’re not rushed at any point of the day,” Kimiecik noted.
He emphasized the logistical convenience of such an approach, accommodating various participation levels.
Registration Subject To Availability
Registration is currently open, with online sign-up encouraged. While same-day registration will be available, slots will be subject to availability, as Kimiecik explained.
According to recent figures, over 40 individuals had already registered for the tournament. Kimiecik acknowledged that although there might be a cap on entries at some point, a considerable number of participants would be needed to trigger such a limit.
Placement Mainly According To Skill Level
Participants have the option to compete on any or all three days of the tournament. Bracket placements will be determined primarily by skill level, followed by age considerations.
Singles brackets will follow a single-elimination structure. A Round Robin format will be employed for doubles brackets, involving each team playing against every other team in the bracket at least once. Bracket sizes must range from a minimum of three to a maximum of eight teams.
Matches will be held with point targets ranging from 11 to 15 points depending on the number of teams.
Capital Improvement Plan
The resort has added 16 new pickleball courts as part of its capital improvement plan. This expansion involved converting four tennis courts into pickleball-specific courts alongside four additional courts marked for dual use – tennis or pickleball. All 16 courts will be accessible during the tournament in three weeks’ time.
Even before the courts’ completion, the intention to host a tournament celebrating the new facility had been in the works. Once the courts were ready, the focus shifted to finalizing the event’s details.
All registered participants will receive a tournament t-shirt, and winners will be awarded prize money. Singles match winners will receive $100, while doubles prize money will depend on the number of entries.
A Positive Reception
The reception for the new pickleball courts has been positive. Kimiecik believes the tournament, designed to commemorate the creation of the new venue, will only amplify the excitement.
“A tournament like this, I think, will really drive that home and invite people to come up and give them a whole three-day agenda to come play and come to the mountain,” Kimiecik commented.
Irrespective of the number of participants, the tournament is expected to contribute to fostering the growing pickleball community. For more details, visit stratton.com.
The tournament venue is at Stratton Training and Fitness Center, 10 Arbor Road Stratton Vermont 05360. Place from $65.
Click here to read more of our stories about the smaller tournaments happening around our nation.
