Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Photo via wikipedia author TheVillagesFL

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, with celebrities including Tom Brady and Lebron James purchasing professional teams. Across the nation, new pickleball courts are springing up as popularity of the sport grows — and Fresno is no exception.

Event promoter the IAN Group is hosting its first California Pickleball Classic this weekend at Sierra Sport and Racquet Club, partnering with Fresno Acura to raise money for its Pink Acura Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. All proceeds for the campaign will go toward the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Cancer Care Center at Community Health System.

Aren Hekimian, chief operating officer of the IAN Group, attributes the sports growing popularity — there were nearly 5 million estimated players last year — to its sense of community and the fact that it is relatively easy to learn.

“It’s one of the only sports I’ve come across where if you have no experience, you get the hang of it after a couple times,” said Hekimian. “Everyone who plays in this community is nice and friendly, everyone is very welcoming.”

He also believes that the growing popularity is because the sport is an easy way for people of all ages to get active.

 

Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington, pickleball is described as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, according to national governing body USA Pickleball. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. The plastic ball with holes is volleyed in singles or doubles play with a paddle.

“You’re going to enjoy it and get a great workout at the same time,” said Hekimian.

Hekimian’s previous promotions have included major touring artists and festivals, including Fresno’s Grizzly Fest, which was discontinued in 2019.

He saw this event as a way to partner with the family behind Fresno Acura for a good cause.

“I like to put on events that have a charitable aspect to what I do, since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month I wanted to do something for that,” said Hekimian.

The event is sponsored and sanctioned by DUPR, a global rating system used for pickleball clubs, tours, and professionals; as well as the official sanctioning body of the PPA Tour, APP Tour and Major League Pickleball.

Local sponsors of the event include Smittcamp AG Enterprises LLC, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Me n’ Eds Pizzeria, and JWC Commercial.

Festivities for the event begin Friday night and end Sunday. In addition to the tournament, there will be food, yoga, and music for the public to enjoy. Players can register online at sierrasport.net/classic and the event is free for spectators.