Albuquerque to Host Inaugural New Mexico Open Pickleball Tournament
Today, the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, Visit Albuquerque, and Rocky Mountain Pickleball announced that the inaugural New Mexico Open Pickleball Tournament will be held September 2 – 6, 2021 at the City’s Manzano Mesa Park pickleball complex. Part of the Pro Pickleball Association’s National Tour, this regional event is open to professional, amateur and senior athletes.
After a year of closures and event postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this tournament will be one of the first major sports events hosted by the City in 2021. Announcement of other tournaments and events are expected soon.
“We haven’t been shy about the important role sports tourism plays in our city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The return of sporting events is a catalyst for our recovery, and we cannot wait to welcome visitors back to the Duke City. This tournament is just the beginning.”
Tournament organizers expect 700+ athletes to participate in the event, ranging in skill level from amateur to the professional level. Athletes will be organized into competitions based on their experience and age, from 12 – 65 years old. Spectators are welcome, and can watch matches at no charge.
Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission, which promote the city as a tourism, convention and sports destination, worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department to bring this event to Albuquerque. The tournament is projected to generate nearly 3,000 hotel room nights, an estimated 2,000 attendees and an estimated $1 million in direct spending, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“Albuquerque is increasingly recognized as a world-class sports destination, owing to our weather, state-of-the-art facilities, local expertise and award-winning hospitality,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “We look forward to welcoming prestigious sporting events – such as the 2021 Rocky Mountain Pickleball New Mexico Open – back to our city along with the social and economic benefits these events bring to our community.”
Athlete registration will remain open through mid-August. To register, or for more information about the event, please click here.
“We are looking forward to bringing this tournament to Albuquerque,” said Don Siegel, Director of Rocky Mountain Pickleball. “The sunny weather and beautiful facilities paired with a backdrop of the Sandia mountains sets the stage for an event unmatched by those around the US.”