Pickleball championships return to Grand Rapids

SportsHospitality
Written By Adam Russo

Photo courtesy of Anthony Netti

1,200 competitors from more than half of the United States and over 10 countries worldwide, including the country's top amateur players, will compete at the Grand Rapids Beer City Open Pickleball Championships. The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club will host the week-long event on July 9 through 14 at Belknap Park. 

For the first time, Major League Pickleball, the highest-tier competitive league in professional pickleball, will host its Mid-Season Tournament in conjunction with the Beer City Open. All 22 professional pickleball teams will compete for the title and crown of Beer City Open, Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Champion. Major League Pickleball is also offering $200,000 in additional professional prize money.  

"With the addition of the Major League Pickleball, Beer City Open has become a cornerstone event for professional pickleball, in addition to the dynamic community of amateur players who gather in Grand Rapids every summer to celebrate the sport," said Andrea Remynse Koop, Director, Beer City Open, and nationally renowned professional pickleball player. "Now in its seventh year, Beer City Open's expansion stands as a testament to the remarkable growth of the sport on a national and global scale, and we are thrilled to witness its profound impact on the Grand Rapids community, from supporting local business to boosting tourism." 

Admission to the Beer City Open is free for spectators. In addition to the roster of captivating pickleball matches, the tournament will feature local food trucks, beer tents from Bells Brewery and Michelob Ultra, a liquor tasting room, and countless local vendors, making Beer City Open a fun-filled summer experience for fans of all ages. 

Title sponsor AHC Hospitality welcomes athletes and spectators to stay at its portfolio of hotels conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids' Hotel District, only minutes away from Belknap Park. These include Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, JW Marriott Grand Rapids, Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids, and AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids. Discounted rates are available through June 12.  

Amway Grand Plaza's four RoofTop Pickleball courts have established the hotel as a vibrant hotspot for pickleball in the city. All are welcome to try their hand at the sport and book outdoor courts on the hotel's Wellness Floor. 

This year, the Amway Grand Plaza will debut signature craft cocktails that pay tribute to the spirit of Beer City Open with a play on pickleball terms, featuring pickle-infused ingredients and other punny ingredients.

"As dedicated supporters of the sport, AHC Hospitality is proud to contribute to Beer City Open's ongoing success and champion our long-standing commitment to fostering community engagement," said Chad LeRoux, Chief Marketing Officer, AHC Hospitality. "Pickleball has become engrained in Grand Rapids' culture and identity, and we've seamlessly incorporated pickleball amenities into the Amway Grand Plaza guest experience, providing an opportunity for both visitors and locals to partake in the sport throughout the season." 

Additional sponsors for Beer City Open include Pepsi, New Belgium Brewing, Major League Pickleball, Pioneer Construction, McClures Pickles, Priority Health, University of Michigan Health-West, and Reagan Marketing + Design.      

For more tournament details, visit https://www.beercityopen.com/.

Adam Russo
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