Pickleball National Championships brings players, fans and an economic boost to North Carolina

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Veolia Pickleball National Championships are underway at Cary Tennis Park, bringing top-ranked professional players and thousands of expected spectators to the town for the first of four major tournaments on the PPA Tour.

More than $1 million in prize money is at stake as competitors from across the sport gather in Cary. For player Kyle Borawski, however, the event offers more than just competition.

"Beautiful day for pickleball," Borawski said.

Borawski said the tournament's atmosphere and fan engagement help distinguish it from other events.

"It looks like the fans are really enjoying themselves," Borawski said. "People like teams, and people like players. So they get a connection ... it just keeps going up."

Organizers said pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport and reported strong demand for tickets, with a large number sold within the first 24 hours of availability.

Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is a major supporter of the PPA Tour. The national championships mark the first of four major events on the tour schedule.

"The ticket sales just show that Cary is the place to be," said Jeff Watson, senior vice president of marketing and communications. "Cary has all the infrastructure to be able to host us in an incredible way. But more importantly, the folks who work with us are just so excited to support, and we're excited to support the town and community of Cary as well."

While Cary has hosted professional pickleball events in the past, this is the first time it has hosted the national championships. Organizers said previous professional tournaments have generated millions of dollars in economic impact for the region and hope this year's event will continue that trend.

"We want to be here long term," Watson said. "To be able to see that growth and the passion and that economic impact continue to rise is a great indicator for that."

Fans from across North Carolina have traveled to Cary for the championships. Jason Ellis, who came from Charlotte, said he arrived early because of his enthusiasm for the sport and its growth.

"Very excited, that's why we came in early," Ellis said.

Ellis said pickleball's accessibility is helping fuel its popularity.

"I'm glad that it has, it's a fun sport," Ellis said. "Anyone can play it. So I'm glad to see the growth."

The tournament continues through Sept. 6.

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