ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The hardwood where professional tennis stars once competed will soon be lined for one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
Blue Ridge Pickleball will transform the floor of Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville into six pickleball courts for a five-day community event Aug. 12-16, featuring beginner clinics, open play, tournaments and special events designed to introduce more people to the sport.
Organizers say the event marks the first time the downtown arena has opened its floor for multiple days of community pickleball play.
The courts will occupy the same space that previously hosted former world No. 1 tennis player Andy Roddick during the Stars Servin’ Up Love charity event and international competition during the Billie Jean King Cup.
“This event will shine the spotlight on the pickleball community here locally while perhaps also introducing some to the game,” Chris Smith, president of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, said in a news release. “We are truly excited to dip our toes into the pickleball waters and help advance a sport here locally that continues growing nationwide.”
The event is a partnership among the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Asheville Pickleball Association, Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, BallCrank Pickleball Club and Asheville Parks & Recreation. The organizations are working together on court setup, equipment, volunteers, instruction and event operations.
Chris Corl of Harrah’s Cherokee Center said the venue is excited to showcase a different side of the arena.
“Transforming the arena into six pickleball courts will showcase the venue in an entirely new way, and we hope every player and spectator feels welcomed, energized and excited to be part of this special local sports experience,” Corl said in the news release.
The week begins Wednesday, Aug. 12, with an Introduction to Pickleball clinic from 10 a.m. to noon. The session is free for children 12 and younger and $5 for everyone else. Three open-play sessions follow that afternoon and evening, with each two-hour session costing $5 per player.
Open play continues Thursday with three additional sessions on all six courts.
Friday evening will feature an invitation-only volunteer appreciation event hosted by the Asheville Pickleball Association.
“This inaugural Blue Ridge Pickleball event is a true community collaboration,” said Dianna Pierce of the Asheville Pickleball Association. “It’s a first-of-its-kind effort to showcase what a future tournament site in Asheville could look like while strengthening partnerships across the region.”
Competitive play takes over Saturday with a Luck of the Draw Tournament from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a Dink Tournament from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Spectators can attend both tournaments free of charge.
The event wraps up Sunday with another beginner clinic from 1-3 p.m.
The introductory clinics will be led by BallCrank Pickleball Club, a new indoor pickleball facility planned for Asheville. The club will feature 12 indoor cushioned courts, including six with video technology, two professional-sized courts, locker and shower facilities, and a bar and café.
Organizers say the week is intended to welcome everyone from first-time players to experienced competitors while highlighting pickleball’s growing popularity in Western North Carolina.