Reviewed by: Liv George
USA Pickleball brings Select Series tournament to Foley
Reading time: 3 minutes
Get ready for a busy weekend on the courts in Foley as USA Pickleball is bringing its inaugural Select Series league to Alabama.
Here’s what you need to know about the first official Select Series Gulf Coast tournament:
- When: August 23-25
- Where: Foley Event Center, 1001 E Pride Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
- Registration: $45 to register | $10 for each event
- More info | Facebook | Instagram
Keep reading to find out more about USA Pickleball’s Select Series tournaments across the country + how the sport continues to grow here in Alabama.
USA Pickleball’s Select Series
USA Pickleball has introduced the Select Series tournaments to open the door for amateur players looking to experience a more professional atmosphere. There are five of these tournaments across the country including:
- Mid-Atlantic: Richmond, VA
- Wine Country: Fairfield, CA
- North Mid-Atlantic: Manasquan, N.J.
- Great Plains: Colorado Springs, CO
- Gulf Coast: Foley, AL
Foley was selected because of its past experience hosting local pickleball events. All of the events will be held on indoor courts at the Foley Event Center.
“USA Pickleball Select Series aims to create an incredible player experience and highlight amazing pickleball venues across the nation to continue growing the sport. Whether it’s someone’s first tournament or they’re a seasoned player, we want to ensure we’re fostering the sport at all levels and across all regions. Our team is excited to return to Foley Event Center and co-host an amazing event for our members with the City of Foley.”
~ Lance Cowart, Managing Director of National Championships at USA Pickleball
Pickleball in Foley
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the country since the pandemic, according to the sport’s national governing body. That has been clear over the years right here in Alabama.
As the popularity of pickleball continues its growth, the City of Foley is making a name for itself as a top-notch destination to compete.
Pickleball events were always a part of the Foley Sports Tourism plan. The first pickleball event took place five months after the facility opened in 2017. The size and number of tournaments continued to grow, even drawing the USA Pickleball Atlantic South Regional in 2021.
“Foley is quickly growing into a sports destination and a huge part of that is because of our welcoming community… Pickleball is a sport that is accessible to everyone at every age and that’s how we like to view our City as well. There is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy here. That’s what makes this the perfect partnership and one we hope to grow well into the future.”
~ David Thompson, City of Foley Executive Director of Leisure Services
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