ST. GEORGE — The Utah State Pickleball Championships will return to St. George this week at the Little Valley Pickleball complex. The three-day double elimination, followed by a round robin tournament is divided into age group divisions. Thursday will be the singles tournament, Friday will be the doubles tournament, and Saturday will be the mixed tournament.
Pickleball has grown in popularity in the U.S., and was described by NBC news as the nation’s fastest growing sport. In Southern Utah Pickleball has grown as well with various leagues and tournaments occurring throughout the year. This year the Little Valley Pickleball complex has hosted four Pickleball tournaments, while the Pickleball courts in SunRiver have hosted three tournaments. The new Little Valley complex was built in fall of 2012 right before the last state championships were held there.
The Utah State Pickleball Championships are sanctioned by the U.S. Pickleball Association – USAPA – the foremost advocacy group for Pickleball across the U.S. The Utah Championships will follow on the coattails of the Nationals tournament that just wrapped up Nov. 17 in Buckeye, Ariz.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball at first glance looks similar to tennis, but it’s played on a smaller court with a net lowered to 34 inches. It is played with paddles and a polymer ball slightly smaller than a wiffle ball, according to the USAPA. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, is easy for beginners to learn, but is capable of becoming a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. The sport is growing fast due to its social nature and multi-generational appeal, according to the USAPA.
Event details and contact info
- When: Thursday Nov. 21, 4 p.m.; Friday, Nov 22 – Saturday Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
- Where: Little Valley Pickleball Complex, 2149 Horseman Park Drive, St. George, UT
- Registration is closed
- For more info visit the tournaments webpage
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