Pickleball Weekend in Austin

Happy Friday from Austin, Texas! I feel incredibly grateful once again for all of the opportunities that have come my way because of pickleball. As I was flying to Austin yesterday for my first time ever, it's amazing how many trips I've been on because of this game, how many cities I've had the chance to explore, and the talented people I've had the chance to work with along the way.

This past week I lost a good friend that I was fortunate to get to play pickleball with every day and it truly put it in perspective how this game has brought not only opportunities my way, but a huge network of friends whose lives have all changed in some way because of pickleball.

So today, take a minute to send a note to someone that you've been fortunate to play pickleball with and who you may not realize makes a huge impact in your day because of your time on the court.

I look forward to this weekend in Austin. If you're here today, please come visit me at the Smirnoff SMASH Pickleball Experience and tomorrow I will be at the PPA Tour event. [email protected]

Smirnoff SMASH Pickleball Experience at SXSW

The Proof Media Mix team has now become a huge part of my pickleball family and once again they have put together a unique experience at an iconic event with their custom Smirnoff SMASH pickleball court promoting the new Smirnoff SMASH Vodka Soda.

If you're in Austin, be sure to come by 75 Rainey Street today to play pickleball at the Smirnoff SMASH Pickleball Experience from 2-6pm. Hosted by SXSW , Billboard and Smirnoff. For more info, visit SXSW.com.

Follow Pickleball in the Sun on Instagram for live highlights throughout the day!

PPA Tour's 2024 Veolia Austin Open Broadcast Schedule

The PPA Tour is in Austin this weekend! I'm looking forward to being at the event tomorrow (Saturday) with the team from Oakfire Ridge . Be sure to give them a follow as I look forward to introducing them to many people behind the business world of pickleball that will be at the PPA event. If you'll be at the event, be sure to send me a note and would love to connect.

Visit the PPA Tour's Instagram channel for details on the events throughout the weekend as there could be some rain delays.

Major League Pickleball Announces their 2024 Schedule

MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) announced the updated 2024 schedule of events, the first official league news following the closing of the merger with the Carvana PPA Tour (PPA Tour). The 2024 MLP schedule will feature 11 total events – hosted in 10 different states – showcasing eight regular season events, a Mid-Season Tournament, and two rounds of the 2024 MLP Playoffs.

All MLP teams will appear in four of eight regular season events, with a combination of six Premier Level and six Challenger Level teams in action at each event. Additional information on the 2024 MLP competition structure, individual 2024 MLP team schedules, and the 2024 Premier and Challenger Level Drafts will follow.

Visit their website for more details...

RacquetX Kicks off on Sunday, March 24th!

The inaugural RacquetX conference starts on Sunday, March 24th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For the first time ever, they will be hosting a head-to-head with executives from the Association of Pickleball Players , USA Pickleball and the PPA Tour .

Thomas Shields with The Dink Pickleball will be moderating the conversation between Tom Webb , Mike Nealy and Connor Pardoe .

Visit the RacquetX website for more details about the full agenda during the event. Receive a discount on your ticket by visiting PickleballintheSun.com.

Check out the Incredible List of their 2024 Speakers

Visit RacquetX's Instagram channel to see the full list of 2024 speakers.

I'm looking forward to being a part of the inaugural RacquetX event and sharing insights I've learned over the last 4+ years while working with brands and organizations within the sport as pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the country. If you'll be at RacquetX, please be sure to send me a note to connect - [email protected]

Visit the Centerline Athletics Booth & Demo Court

Professional pickleball player, Thomas Wilson , will be at RacquetX and you'll have your chance to challenge him in a game on the demo court on both Sunday and Monday.

Stop by the Centerline Athletics booth throughout the conference to check out their new premium performance pickleball apparel line for both men and women. They are excited to launch the brand at RacquetX and give pickleball enthusiasts an opportunity to be the first players to get their hands on the first line of apparel.

Visit CenterlineAthletics.com for more details and follow them on Instagram for live details from RacquetX.