PRESS RELEASE: Georgia’s Largest Amateur Pickleball Tournament in History Takes Place This Weekend at Rhythm & Rally in Macon, Georgia

MACON, Ga. (January 2, 2025) — Macon, Georgia is proud to welcome the largest pickleball tournament in state history January 3-5, 2025 at the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events. The Southern Pickleball Championships is presented by Publix and includes medalists from all over the SouthEast who have qualified in events throughout 10 states in 2024.

The facility – which celebrated its first year in operation on New Year’s Day – allows this massive event to occur over the three day schedule. Reaching capacity, this year’s tournament will host 1233 players, representing 21 states across the country.

According to Southern Pickleball, “We did reach capacity this year and had to turn players away. Our plan is to come back to Macon next year and run it over 5 days. We’d love to work with Visit Macon & the Rhythm & Rally event center to make this something truly special with it starting on New Year’s Eve, allowing players to come to Macon to ring in the New Year.”

“Southern Pickleball is extremely grateful for this year’s turnout.” continued Paul Midkiff, co-founder of Southern Pickleball. “Southern Pickleball runs events in 10 southeastern states and medal winners for our 2024 events are the only players eligible for this tournament. For many players this will be their first time to Macon to play and see the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility!”

Tournament Schedule:
Friday, January 3rd: Mens & Womens Singles
Saturday, January 4th: Mens & Womens Doubles
Sunday, January 5th: Mixed Doubles
(Skill Levels: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5+ ; Age Groups: 18+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+)

Registration data source: https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=49907c13-27bd-43ad-98fe-c06c19972646

“The events at Rhythm & Rally prove to consistently be a huge economic driver for our destination, but this one is very exciting breaking our newest record in attendance!” explains President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat. “We are proud to support Southern Pickleball and its exemplary tournaments. Players continue to leave with rave reviews on the organization and efficiency of the events themselves, but also full of positivity about returning to our area to play again and again at the facility. Thanks to the vision of Mayor Lester Miller, the Urban Development Authority and the support of Macon+Bibb’s Board of Commissioners, Rhythm & Rally has had a fantastic first year and we are thrilled to see its future contributions in Macon!”

For more information, please contact Marisa Rodgers, at (478) 743-1074 x106 or emailmrodgers@visitmacon.org.

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About Visit Macon: The mission of Visit Macon is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon-Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. Visit Macon promotes Macon, Georgia to travel writers, meeting planners, group tour operators, and leisure travelers in an effort to bring people and revenues into the community and area businesses.visitmacon.org

Southern Pickleball: Currently operating tournaments and events out of 10 southeastern states, including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. Southern Pickleball is committed to expanding pickleball opportunities in the southeast by providing reasonably priced and well-run events and supporting community pickleball clubs. southernpickleball.com

Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events: The world's largest indoor pickleball facility, located in Macon, GA, within the Macon Mall. The facility spans 166,000 square feet and features 32 climate-controlled courts, a pro shop, food & beverage options, locker rooms, and event space. It welcomes players of all skill levels. Rhythm & Rally is a member of the SF Network, the nation's largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities, and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations, The Sports Facilities Companies. rhythmandrally.com