The five day event is expected to boost the local economy by $2 million.
GREENSBORO, N.C. β The USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament is expected to generate more than $2 million for the local economy.Β
The tournament runs for five-days at the Special Events Center, according to the Greensboro Sports Foundation.
This marks the first time the Special Events Center is hosting the prestigious event, which features 32 indoor courts and approximately 1,200 athletes from across the country. Organizers expect the tournament to draw about 2,500 visitors to Greensboro.
Pickleball has seen rapid growth in recent years, It is now considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
Richard Beard, president of the Greensboro Sports Foundation said sports tourism at the First Horizon Coliseum and Greensboro Complex brought in approximately $261 million last year. He praised the facilities capability and role in national sports tourism.
βThey do 1,400 events a year, and 1.8 million people a year go through the doors of the First Horizon Coliseum and the Greensboro Complex,β Beard said. βItβs unbelievable the value that it brings to this community.βΒ
At this point, it is too late to register to play in the tournament. According to USA Pickleball’s website spectator admission is free.Β
Matches begin Wednesday and continue through Sunday, players range in age from 18 to 80. The tournament has a Β wheelchair division.Β
