The renovated Jean Shepherd Complex in Hammond will host the PICKLEMANIA $20K Challenge Feb. 21-23.
This event is presented by 219Pickleball, an organization dedicated to providing pickleball events that include competition at all levels. They believe pickleball is for all people and ages, creating new friendships and community bonding. 219Pickleball also promotes the sport for its physical and mental health benefits.
The PICKLEMANIA Challenge Open events include men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Skill level events include men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Events are for five different skill levels and two different age groups, 18-49 and 50+ years.
“The South Shore CVA is excited to host this inaugural event here in Northwest Indiana and showcase the Jean Shepherd Center which is now one of the premier pickleball facilities in the Chicagoland area,” said Phil Taillon, South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority president/CEO, in a press release. “We look forward to working with 219Pickleball on this tournament and future pickleball events to bring people from all over the Midwest to compete in the fastest-growing sport in America.”
Ruben Soto, 219Pickleball Club manager, said this is one of the largest prizes amateur pickleball tournaments offer.
“We are especially honored to host this tournament and other events in the City of Hammond, which is leading the way as Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland’s finest destination for sports, recreation and overall lifestyle,” Soto said.
