Everyone knows that pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and many a San Franciscan has taken up the paddle in recent years. If you’re seeking some well-deserved pickleball glory, Oracle Park is going to host its first-ever pickleball tournament this July — and yes, anyone can play on the courts!
The 2023 Pickle4 Ballpark Series will take place from Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23, 2023. There are 3 ways to participate: guests can either play in the tournament (registration is now closed), reserve a private court to play recreationally, or watch the tournament as a spectator.
Spectator tickets cost $20 and are on sale now for games on July 21 and July 23. Take a seat in the stands and watch fun pickleball matches in a festival atmosphere! Players to look for include #1 Professional Pickleball Association tour player Anna Leigh Waters and PPA Tour players Lea Jansen, Anna Bright, and Meghan Dizon.
Tickets to reserve a private court cost $1,500 per group per 80 minute session, but your group can include up to 10 players rotating in and out. They’ve also released shared court rentals for $175 per person. There will be multiple time slots in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Each player present will receive a complimentary SF Giants-branded pickleball paddle after their session.
Tournament schedule
The 2023 Pickle4 Ballpark Series amateur pickleball tournament includes Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles categories. It will have a double-elimination format with a consolation bracket for bronze.
Thursday, June 20
- 8am – Women’s Doubles
Friday, June 21
- 8am – Women’s Doubles
- 5pm – Pro Showcase – Men’s and Women’s Singles on Championship Court
Saturday, June 22
- 8am – Men’s Doubles
Sunday, June 23
- 8am – Mixed Doubles
- 11am – Pro Showcase – Doubles on Championship Court
What is pickleball?
Pickleball was invented by 3 dads in 1965, who improvised the badminton-esque game as a way to entertain their kids on a hot summer day. As such the game is family-friendly and simple to learn, but can easily turn competitive! Games go to 11 points (win by 2), although tournament games are often played to 15 or 21. You can learn more about pickleball’s history, rules, technique, and equipment at the USA Pickleball website, and find a map of SF’s public pickleball courts here.