What The Hell Is Pickleball?

I'm a pretty knowledgeable sports fan and feel comfortable talking about most anything. But I just saw a press release that stated that there will be "Pickleball fever" in Kalamazoo. What the hell is Pickleball?

We're talking the top 200 "pickleballers" from around the midwest are coming to Wings Event Center next weekend and some of them have won gold medals! Are you kidding me??? Pickleball??? Now I'm curious. Let's check it out...

Pickleball

And for information on the event, read on...

KALAMAZOO, MI - Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and Kalamazoo will be hosting the 3rd Annual Pickleball Fever in the Zoo - Bob Northrop Memorial Tournament June 2-5, 2016.

The tournament will take place at the Wings Event Center in The Zoo and The Valley arenas, located at 3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo, MI. It is open to the public and free for spectators.

More than 200 of the best players from around the Midwest, many of whom have won gold medals at the USAPA Nationals, U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, and tournaments throughout the country, will soon be in Kalamazoo. On Thursday, June 2 beginning at 5:00 p.m. there will be an Exhibition of top male and female players. It will be followed by a "Learn to Play Pickleball" free to those who want to try the game. Men's Skill Doubles will be played Friday, June 3; Mixed Skill Doubles will be held Saturday, June 4; and Women's Skill Doubles will take place on Sunday, June 5. Start time each day is 8 a.m.

This USA Pickleball Association sanctioned event recognizes Bob Northrop, who was very instrumental in bringing pickleball to the Kalamazoo/Portage area. Northrop, along with Melissa Muha, organized several pickleball tournaments in 2009 and 2010.

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