WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Hundreds of amateur pickleball players signed up Friday to compete in the Pickleballist AssociationThe inaugural Midwest Open at Westfield.
The sport continues to be at the heart of the Grand Park sports complex.
On Wednesday and Thursday, APP hosted the first US Collegiate Championships in which more than 20 college teams competed. Utah Tech University took first prize.
Tour founder Ken Herrmann says the organization looks forward to continuing the event in central Indiana.
“The crowds were amazing,” Herrmann said. “This sport is definitely growing in the whole Indianapolis-Westfield area out here. The support from the local pickleball clubs has been amazing and it's just an incredible way to start.”
According to tournament officials, the Midwest Open will see approximately 475 amateur players compete for medals in various skill categories and age groups for men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed brackets.
Men's Singles player Max Fusselman drove over an hour to compete in the open and has been playing Pickleball for seven years.
He says that while the sport may have a reputation as an old man's game, it can be intense and competitive.
“I think pickleball can become this great, big thing,” Fusselman said. “I'm really excited to see where APP is at… APP is definitely one of the first big tournaments and I'm glad to see it continue.”
Normally the event center at Grand Park consists of three indoor soccer fields, but the tournament uses one of those fields, turning it into 29 competitive pickleball fields.
Hamilton County Athletic Authority Director Carl Daniels says APP has been a great partner.
“It's very exciting for us,” Daniels said. “There are all skill levels. This is what I like about the APP. They support all skill levels.”
Tour organizers encourage people to watch the competition, with many of the games starting at 8am. from Friday to Sunday. Entry to the open tournament is free.
