Palm Coast's 'Luck of the Pickle' Pickleball Tournament Returning in March

The 'Luck of the Pickle' pickleball tournament will be returning to Palm Coast in March, the city government has announced. The event takes place from Friday, March 13th to Sunday, March 15th at Palm Coast's Southern Recreation Center. Entrants will have the opportunity to compete for medals in three different categories: singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The singles tournament takes place on Friday, the men's and women's doubles on Saturday, and the mixed doubles on Sunday. Those looking to compete must be at least thirteen years old. The registration fee for the event is $50, the city says. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to register for the tournament, which will be held in a double elimination format. The Southern Recreation Center is located at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast, and the tournament will be played on a covered court. Competitors in the tournament will receive a t-shirt while supplies last, provided by event sponsor AdventHealth. Medals will be awarded to each of the top three finishers in each category, bestowed at the end of each day's tournament. Registration can be completed online at the city's website. More information is available by calling (386) 986-2550. Year over year, pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report in 2023, pickleball showed a 171.1% increase in participation over a four-year span, higher than any other sport in the nation. With several of the next highest-growing sports being snow-dependent, it makes sense why the senior-friendly gameplay of pickleball has formed a cult following in Palm Coast.