World Pickleball Classic Set for Second Annual Event in The Palm Beaches

The second annual World Pickleball Classic is set to take place at Lilac Park in Palm Beach Gardens from October 19-20.


The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is proud to partner with Players International Management to host this premier event, which will attract over 350 amateur pickleball players to The Palm Beaches. This will also be the first event the Sports Commission supports since the park's reopening, now featuring 24 state-of-the-art courts.
 

This competition is open to players of all skill levels. On Saturday, October 19, men’s and women’s doubles teams will compete in skill-based divisions for ages 19+, 40+, and 60+. On Sunday, October 20, the mixed doubles matches will follow the same format. Every participant will receive a complimentary ticket to the Delray Beach Open, one of the largest men’s professional tennis events in the U.S., attracting over 60,000 spectators. The event will take place from February 7-16, 2025.

The sport of pickleball has shown tremendous growth in The Palm Beaches over the last fiscal year. In that time, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission supported six events in the sport, three of which were new to the area (the World Pickleball Classic, the World Pickleball Open, and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour Vlasic Classic). The Sports Commission has projected over $4.3 million in economic impact was created for the region’s hospitality and business community through the hosting of these events.
 

"The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is thrilled to support and witness the rapid rise of pickleball in The Palm Beaches, as it continues to solidify its place among our region’s premier sports offerings,” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “With world-class venues and strong community support, we're excited to see how this tournament will enhance our dynamic sports landscape. Our Sports Commission remains committed to hosting top-tier competitions like this, which boost participation in sports and contribute to the local economy."

The host venue for the event will be the newly renovated Lilac Park. The park’s 24 courts add to the impressive offerings that also include a baseball field, two playgrounds, and a dog park.

Looking ahead, The Palm Beaches will next play host to the World Pickleball Open at the Palm Beach Gardens Pickleball Center at Russo Park.

To see a full calendar of upcoming sports events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachsports.com/events.