Pickleball Showdown Featuring John McEnroe, Mats Wilander Coming to Idaho
Very few things excite the pickleball world more than former tennis legends showing an interest our sport.
That's exactly what's happening at the beginning of August, when tennis greats John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Vince Van Patten and Mikael Pernfors will join a group of 20 top senior pickleball pros in Sun Valley, Idaho.
About the event
The event will benefit Men's Second Chance Living – an organization that "helps men with addiction succeed in their recovery as they seek sustained sobriety."
Appropriately named the Legends Celebrity Weekend Pro Pickleball Invitational, it will feature clinics, a cocktail party, and exhibition matches from August 1-4.
"This is a gathering of the top 20 senior pros in country coming together in Idaho to play a charity event. It’s a first of its kind and it’s going to be high-level competition," said Lee Sponaugle, president of the Wood River Pickleball Alliance and one of the senior pros who will be competing.
The pros will also hold coaching clinics on Thursday, August 1st. Spectators are encouraged to come free of charge to three of the events.
The Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Senior Pro Clinics at the Valley Club from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. $150 Valley Club members and $200 non-members.
Friday, Aug. 2 – Senior Pro Team Event from 2-5 p.m. SPECTATORS WELCOME. Also, invitation-only Welcome Cocktail Party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a private residence.
Saturday, Aug. 3 – MSCL 3rd Annual Pickleball Fundraiser from noon-4 p.m. Entry fee: $250. Also, Legends Dinner and Exhibition by Tennis Legends 6 p.m. at a private home. $400 per person.
Sunday, Aug. 4 – Legends Round Robin Exhibition Play from 10-11 a.m. will feature bidders from Saturday night’s Legends Dinner playing with McEnroe, Pernfors, Van Patten and Wilander. SPECTATORS WELCOME.
Also, Senior Pro Team Event featuring senior pros battling with the legends at 11 a.m. SPECTATORS WELCOME.
