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Players and sponsors needed for America’s fastest-growing recreational sport.
Once again, the Dacotah Prairie Museum (DPM) and local pickleball players are teaming up to support the museum while having fun playing America’s fastest-growing form of recreation.
The DPM will host its second pickleball tournament fundraiser on Saturday, June 8. The event will benefit the museum’s programs and exhibitions as well as the local pickleball player’s goal of introducing and promoting a great sport.
In 2023, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) deemed pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year. They estimate that about 36.5 million people have played the game at least once in the past year.
Location & Teams
This year’s event will be held at the Odde Ice Center at the Brown County Fairgrounds thanks to support from the Aberdeen Amateur Hockey Association. The indoor venue will have access to restrooms, concessions, and provide a weather-proof environment. The Aberdeen pickleball players will be providing nets and assisting in setting up courts. The general public is invited to come by and watch the action and check out the sport.
The museum has had a great response from the Aberdeen pickleball playing groups. Both support active lifestyles for all ages and believe in supporting the overall health of our community. New this year, a competitive bracket for mixed doubles players. Partners will follow a bracket format and continue through to the championship round with the same person. There will also be a social play rotating format that will pit players against new opponents and partners for every round until the final championship round where they will be paired with a similarly placed player.
Tournament Overview & Entry
Tournament check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Following the tournament, the event will conclude with awards and photos. Pickleball registration is open for players of all skill levels (entry, intermediate, advanced) as well as corporate teams. Registration fees are $35 per single player and $70 per mixed doubles. Check the event website for online registration, printable registration forms for players, printable registration form for sponsors, schedule of play, and more information at www.dacotahprairiemuseum.org.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Patricia Kendall at patricia.kendall@browncounty.sd.gov or 605-626-7117. Sponsorship levels are as follows:
- Event Sponsor: $1,000 – includes logo on event banners, marketing, and event page; table at event to distribute swag/water to players and promote business/product; social media and email blast recognition from the DPM; team entry (up to 4 players); and prominent logo placement on tournament apparel.
- Court Sponsor: $500, (8 available) – includes logo on court signage; social media and email blast recognition from the DPM; team entry (up to 4 players); and logo placement on tournament apparel.
- Corporate Sponsor: $250 – includes social media and email blast recognition from the DPM; team entry (up to 4 players); and logo placement on tournament apparel.
- In-Kind Sponsor: the DPM is looking for these items – beverages, raffle baskets, and giveaways.
What is Pickleball?
According to USA Pickleball, Pickleball is a court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net set to a height of 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition, the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature, and its multi-generational appeal.
The Dacotah Prairie Museum celebrates over 50 years as Brown County’s premier history museum. The Museum is housed in the historic Northwestern Bank building built in 1889 on Aberdeen’s Main Street. Gallery & Museum Store Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10am-5pm and Sat. 11am-4pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays. Free admission, donations appreciated. Check out the latest exhibits and events at www.dacotahprairiemuseum.com
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Patricia Kendall at 605.626.7117, or email patricia.kendall@browncounty.sd.gov.