Hoover lands inaugural 2020 USA Pickleball National Indoor Championship

Are you ready for some Pickleball Birmingham!

This week, the USAPA, Pickleball’s national governing body, announced they will be holding the inaugural USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships on June 9 -13, 2020 at the Finley Center in Hoover.

Organizers expect over 1000 players from all over the country to compete during the five day tournament.

What is Pickleball?

Never heard  or seen Pickleball? Check it out!

The fast growing sport has caught fire in the Birmingham area over the past few years.  Locally, Pickleball is played at  the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and at recreation centers throughout town, including the Trussville Park and Recreation and YMCA complexes.

Here is a description of the sport from the JCC website:

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. It is a paddle sport (similar to a racquet sport) that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a Wiffle Ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rule somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications.

This past year, the Finley Center, at the Hoover Met Complex garnered rave reviews when it hosted the Heritage Pickleball Classic in August. That tournament caught the attention of the USAPA.

Where to play – Mark your calendars

The JCC offers regular Pickleball clinics and organized time slots 3-4 times a week. The game is also played at YMCA’s around town, Heardmont Park, Clay, Trussville and in Crestwood Park. You can download the “pickle” app to find places throughout the Magic City.  Visit – https://pickleup.com

And don’t forget to mark your calendars to see the first ever USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships on June 9 -13, 2020 at the Finley Center in Hoover.