Pickleball Magazine 1-3 | Page 32

Men’ s Pro Singles Champion: Marcin Rozpedski.

Photo courtesy Rusty Howes / The Pickleball Channel

Within a couple of months of negotiations, a three-year agreement was made to host the Open at the East Naples Community Park.

To help ensure the success of the event, 250 volunteers were recruited. This small army took care of everything from registration, to favors, parking, food, refereeing, draws, vendor assistance, sponsors, courts and so much more.

Graham said,“ The volunteers were the real rock stars of this event. They were there at 6 a. m. until the last match finished up around midnight every day. They made a good event turn into a great event.”

Prior to the event, tennis courts had to be resurfaced and lined to accommodate 46 pickleball courts. At the same time, stadium seating had to be brought in to handle 1,000 viewers at the center court. Finally, two giant-sized“ Vendor Expo Tents” were set up for the 24 sponsors selling their latest products on site.

From April 26 to May 1( 2016), pickleball history was made. There were 819 players( ages 12-89) from 39 states and 7 countries

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