MASON CITY — 270 players from six different states and Mexico are in Mason City this weekend for the 6th annual Mason City Pickleball Classic. The event has been recognized as Visit Mason City’s winner of the Tourism Excellence Award.
Mayor Bill Schickel was on hand at the start of this morning’s tournament to present a proclamation.
Mason City Pickleball Club President Mandi Pralle says the event has grown substantially over its six years. “Our first year we had less than half of the participants that we have now, and every year it’s gotten bigger and bigger. We took the one year off for COVID, otherwise we’ve done this event for the last six years. We are at max capacity as far as the three days and time constraints with the 12 courts. 270 is about as many participants as we can get. So it fills up and it fills quickly, and it’s really, really great.”
Pralle says the growth can be attributed to the success of previous tournaments. “I think we build a reputation as a tournament that runs really smoothly. It’s just a fun atmosphere. This complex, you can sit anywhere around it, set up camp around it, and people, they’re here for three days, they bring their tents and their chairs and their coolers and just have a good time.”
Play today included men’s and women’s doubles for 50 and older as well as singles. On Saturday, it’s men’s and women’s doubles for all ages and divisions. Sunday’s play is mixed doubles.
Head to this link to find the tournament’s website.
