The 9th Annual Gainesville Indoor Pickleball Showcase, hosted by the Gainesville Sports Commission and presented by Touching Hearts at Home, will return Aug. 8-9 at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center at Celebration Pointe.
The tournament will bring hundreds of athletes and spectators to Gainesville while raising funds for ElderCare of Alachua County. The Alachua County Sports & Events Center is located at 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave. in Gainesville.
A special Independence Day flash sale is taking place through Wednesday, July 8, offering discounted registration rates. Organizers noted that $10 from every tournament entry will still be donated directly to ElderCare of Alachua County during the promotional period. Registration closes on July 29 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.
Presented by title sponsor Campus USA Credit Union, the two-day event has become one of Florida’s premier pickleball tournaments and one of the region’s longest-running indoor pickleball competitions. Click here for the tournament rules.
Players from across Florida and the Southeast will compete in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles divisions. New this year, tournament organizers have added a wheelchair doubles bracket. Competition will follow USA Pickleball rules, and players of all skill levels — including first-time tournament participants — are encouraged to register. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each division.
Tournament operations will be led by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Participants who are uncertain about which skill division to enter are encouraged to contact Tournament Director Emily Grissom for assistance at egrissom@gainesvillesportscommission.com.
The showcase has grown into a signature charitable event through a partnership between the Gainesville Sports Commission and Touching Hearts at Home. Tournament proceeds support ElderCare of Alachua County and its programs serving local seniors.
“Pickleball is more than the fastest-growing sport in America — it’s an opportunity to bring our community together for a greater purpose,” said Christina Ramos, executive director and administrator of Touching Hearts at Home, in a press release. “Every registration, sponsorship, volunteer and spectator helps make a difference in the lives of local seniors. We are incredibly grateful to the Gainesville Sports Commission, our community sponsors, volunteers and players for continuing to support ElderCare of Alachua County year after year.”
Since becoming a charitable event, the tournament has generated thousands of dollars for local nonprofit organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and ElderCare of Alachua County. In addition to registration proceeds, sponsorships, beverage sales, raffles and other fundraising activities help maximize the event’s impact.
Tournament organizers expect another competitive and community-focused weekend while welcoming athletes of all ages and experience levels to Gainesville.
The Gainesville Sports Commission and Touching Hearts at Home expressed appreciation for the sponsors, volunteers, vendors and community partners whose support helps make the event possible and benefits seniors throughout the community.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Campus USA Credit Union
Platinum Sponsors: PRP Regeneration Specialists, Jon Broska – Edward Jones and IQ Fiber
Associate Sponsors: FYZICAL Gainesville-Oaks, Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Millennial Healthcare Services LLC, Blackadder Brewing Company and The Good Pour
Media Partners: WCJB TV20, KISS 105.3, MARC Radio, Gainesville City Lifestyle and The Beach 100.9