The National Senior Games Association holds the largest indoor pickleball tournament ever , in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania .
by ALICE TYM
Pittsburgh ’ s magnificent David L . Lawrence Convention Center provided a wonderful venue for the 2023 National Senior Games .
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It ’ s been nearly 20 years since Pittsburgh hosted the National Senior Games . This year , more than 10,000 senior athletes competed in a city that ’ s already wild about sports . Two floors of Pittsburgh ’ s magnificent David L . Lawrence Convention Center proved a wonderful venue for the largest indoor pickleball tournament ever . Located alongside the Allegheny River , the convention center was the headquarters of the Humana-sponsored Senior Games , and of pickleball . Rooftop parties , vendors , sponsors ’ booths , and food concessions were all just an escalator away .
Known as the city of sports champions ( Steelers , Pirates and Penguins ), Pittsburgh ’ s setting at the confluence of the Monongahela , Allegheny , and Ohio rivers is unique . More than 30 bridges are in downtown Pittsburgh . Many are painted bright yellow , producing a unique skyline that was featured on the lovely medals awarded to winners .
Players enjoyed sampling the many diverse ethnic foods and dining at some elegant restaurants including the Grand Concourse , a gorgeous restored railway station . Its stained glass and high dome make it a cathedral to the railroad glory of the early 1900s . PNC Park , home of the Pittsburgh Pirates , was the venue for the parade of athletes who then stayed to watch a game . The National Senior Games Association ( NSGA ) offered evening activities and many players took advantage of the private tours , including an architectural tour by boat .
Pickleball was played on the concrete surface of two floors of the convention center : 31 courts on the upper floor and 14 courts on the lower floor . There were 139 events for the 1,513 players — 762 women and 751 men . In the under-65 group there were 645 players , and there were 868 over 65 . Gamma supplied the balls , which held up well . Tournament Directors David Jordan and Tom Burkhart captained a staff of 11 , plus 23 referees and 30 volunteers . All 50 states were represented plus the District of Columbia .
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | MAGAZINE 37