Mixed doubles players compete in a game during the 2018 Margaritaville Pickleball National Championship at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.
Today was a historic day for the sport of pickleball as the much-anticipated start of the 2018 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships got underway at the world-renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Over 2,200 players from 46 states are on hand this week to compete for the largest cash prize in the history of the sport! The complex was buzzing all day as players, spectators and vendors were simply in awe of the quality of the courts, the various amenities and the majestic scenery.
Most of the top players such as Sarah Ansboury, Dave Weinbach, Tyson McGuffin and Simone Jardim arrived early to experience the venue and compete in the Skill/Age events taking place before Pro play begins on Wednesday.
The event kicked off with a packed field of Mixed Doubles Skill/Age. 5.0 gold medal highlights were Simone Jardim and Wes Garbrielsen winning the 19+ division and Irina Tereschnko and Mills Miller taking the 35+ division. At the senior level, Bonnie Williams and Steve/Cole took the gold in 55+ while Alex Hamner and Scott Moore rolling through their division with only 31 points against them in four matches.
Sunday, Nov. 4:
Tomorrow will be Women’s Doubles Skill/Age 4.0/4.5/5.0 (all ages). Women’s Doubles competition starts at 8:00 AM. Today will also feature our “Media Challenge” exhibition from 5:30-7:30PM. This event will feature local media personalities as they team up Simone Jardim, Kyle Yates, Wes Gabrielsen and other top players and compete for $3,000 in prize money for a charity of their choice. Admission to the Margaritaville Championship Court for this special exhibition is free and open to the public.
The Margaritaville License to Chill Bar and Stage kicks off with full food service beginning at 10AM with bar service 11AM – 8PM. For evening entertainment, the Tad Sisler Band will be performing from 4-7PM in the Margaritaville Shade Pavilion 2. Players and spectators are encouraged to stop by the Interactive Fun Zone from 8AM-8PM for ping-pong, corn hole, and photo opportunities.
Where to Watch:
The Margaritaville Championship Court Live Cam is a special HD baseline-mounted camera, featuring an onscreen scoreboard and live court audio. This livestream is available daily from the official Event website.
You can also tune into the USAPA Facebook page at 9AM PST for the MORNING UPDATE with information about special USAPA streaming features including player interviews and livestreaming of great outer court matches.
The professional livestreaming of pro-level matches on the championship court (4 hrs. per day) will be Thu, Nov. 8, Fri, Nov. 9, Sat. Nov. 10 and Sun, Nov. 11. Again, details and the exact times will be in the announcement soon!
How to Follow:
Everything related to the event including daily updates is posted here on the main Event website.
In addition, fans can get updates, photos and videos from the following social media channels:
Event Facebook, USAPA Facebook, Event Instagram, USAPA Instagram
