Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and Columbus is set to make pickleball history this October. The city is set to host the inaugural APP Women’s Open presented by The James, the first-ever professional and amateur pickleball tournament dedicated entirely to women. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is teaming up with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, as presenting sponsor of the event, which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2024, at Pickle & Chill in Columbus and broadcast nationally, to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As we get ready to host this historic event, here are ten things you need to know to get up to speed on all things pickleball.
- So, why is it called Pickleball?
In the summer of 1965, pickleball was founded by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Within days, Joan Pritchard had come up with the name “pickle ball”—a reference to the thrown-together leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races.
- Why is the Women’s Open coming to Columbus?
Columbus is home to unforgettable places and innovative experiences that make it the vibrant, inclusive and bustling city we all know and love. As the 14th largest city in the U.S., we know what it means to bring big, bold ideas to life. Our rich history of celebrating women’s sports, plus being the home of one of the nation’s largest cancer research hospitals, the OSUCCC – James, made Columbus the perfect place for the APP to host its historic signature event.
- What other women’s sports events has Columbus hosted?
Columbus has long been a champion of women’s sports, from youth and high school level through college and international competitions. The city is the home of some iconic moments in women’s sports history. Columbus-born Georgeann Wells was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA game in 1984, and the Columbus Pacesetters were one of the founding teams of the first professional women's football league, the NWFL in 1974. Since 2016, Columbus has hosted ten NCAA women’s championships across all three divisions and national collegiate, including the 2018 Final Four (which returns in 2027!), volleyball, swimming & diving and even bowling. And now, pickleball will take its place in history as Columbus hosts the first-ever professional and amateur tournament exclusively for women, in front of a national television audience.
- You can be part of history.
It’s the world’s first women’s-only pickleball tournament for the best women’s pros, and hundreds of amateurs, and it’s taking place right here in Columbus at Pickle & Chill. All key elements of the vibrant, multi-day event will be presented by women—from players and referees to administrators and broadcasters. The APP Women’s Open presented by The James will offer $75,000 in prize money and feature women competing in doubles and singles, including skinny singles for women 50 and over. The event will also feature social programming and entertainment designed to celebrate and fuel the growth of pickleball for women, ultimately creating a healthier and more active community.
- You can make a difference with fundraising!
The event isn’t just the best in competitive pickleball, it’s also raising money for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Over $20,000 has already been raised to take the fight to cancer, and you can join in by donating HERE today.
- See the world’s best pickleball pros.
If you’ve ever picked up a paddle and fancy yourself as a bit of a hustler on court, come see how it’s done at the very top of the game. APP No. 1 women’s singles player Megan Fudge, APP all-time women’s gold medal leader Simone Jardim, Susannah Barr, Jill Braverman, and many more of the best female players in the world will be battling it out for the ultimate honors at the event. Tickets are available now - don’t miss the action!
- It’s a nationally televised event.
Oh, did we mention it’s going to be on TV? That’s right, the women’s doubles finals will be televised on CBS Sports Network, and the action from the showpiece Championship Court will be livestreamed on YouTube on Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th.
- What is Pickle & Chill?
Pickle & Chill (880 W Henderson Rd), founded in November 2022, is the largest dedicated indoor / outdoor pickleball facility in the Midwest. Complete with nine indoor and ten outdoor courts, a 30,000 square foot plaza and patio with a dedicated event tent, and an indoor bar and mezzanine, Pickle & Chill is flexible for a wide range of events – making it the perfect host for the APP Women’s Open presented by The James.
- The Dream Big Summit presented by Victoria’s Secret
It’s not all play… there’s going to be a fascinating panel discussion, called The Dream Big Summit, taking place on Saturday evening Oct. 5 at Pickle & Chill and presented by Victoria’s Secret. The Dream Big Summit will connect, inspire, and uplift young women, all centered around a conversation focused on self-advocacy and its importance when pursuing your passions.
- The pickleball community is all about FUN
Last but not least, the event is your chance to be part of a pickleball community that embraces fun. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in sports, complete with nonstop action, elite pros and amateurs from across the nation, giveaways, music, food, and so much more. It will be a fun-filled weekend in Columbus, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Tickets to the APP Women’s Open presented by The James are available now from just $35. Catch the action on CBS Sports Network on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 3-5 p.m. ET. For more information on the event and other APP tournaments, visit theapp.global.