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Southern Pickleball to Debut in Sarasota County with SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships
In partnership with Visit Sarasota County, the three-day tournament in May will draw more than 1,000 players and spectators and offer a pathway to two major amateur pickleball championships.
In partnership with Visit Sarasota County, the three-day tournament in May will draw more than 1,000 players and spectators and offer a pathway to two major amateur pickleball championships.
Southern Pickleball, in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, today announced that the SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships, presented by Carvana PPA Tour, will make its debut May 15–17, 2026 at Englewood Sports Complex.
A leading amateur pickleball organization, Southern Pickleball hosts high-quality tournaments nationwide and welcomes more than 30,000 players annually.
Marking Southern Pickleball’s first event in Sarasota County, the three-day tournament is expected to welcome more than 1,000 players and spectators. Competitors will vie for medals and the opportunity to qualify for two of the sport’s premier amateur events: the Southern Pickleball Championships in Macon, Georgia, and the World Pickleball Championships in Dallas, Texas.
“Southern Pickleball is thrilled to bring the 2026 Powerball Florida Amateur State Championships to Sarasota, a perfect stage for this prestigious event, and we’re grateful for the support of Visit Sarasota and the local community,” said MaryEmily Landers, Director of Marketing for Southern Pickleball. “We’re excited to welcome players from across the country to compete for qualification to both the 2026 World Pickleball Championships in Dallas and the Southern Championships in Macon while enjoying a truly first-class tournament experience.”
The tournament will be featured on Southern Pickleball TV, the organization’s dedicated media and broadcasting platform, extending the event’s reach through live-streamed matches, original content and the Southern Pickleball podcast.
“We’re excited to partner with Southern Pickleball to bring our first major sports tourism pickleball event to Sarasota County,” said Nate Sweetman, Sports Marketing Manager at Visit Sarasota County. “This tournament not only showcases the rapid growth of the sport but also highlights the newly renovated pickleball courts at Englewood Sports Complex. It’s a great opportunity to welcome players and visitors from across the country to experience our destination.”
In addition to Sarasota County, Southern Pickleball has hosted nearly 200 tournaments across 12 different states, welcoming over 30,000 players to its courts and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the sport’s growth in the southeastern United States and beyond. Its debut in the region comes as pickleball surges in popularity, adding to Sarasota County’s growing roster of amateur and elite sporting events that draw athletes and visitors from across the nation.
Visit www.southernpickleball.com for more information.
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About Southern Pickleball
Southern Pickleball is a leading amateur pickleball tournament organization, hosting high-quality, well run events across the country. Since its inception in 2021, Southern Pickleball has welcomed over 30,000 players across nearly 200 tournaments in 12 states, providing competitive and community-driven experiences for players of all levels. From grassroots qualifier events to major championships, players have the opportunity to compete, earn rankings, and qualify for the marquee Southern Pickleball Championships, the largest amateur only pickleball tournament in the country. Through its media platform, Southern Pickleball TV, the organization extends its reach beyond the courts with live-streamed matches, original content, and the Southern Pickleball podcast, helping grow the game and connect the pickleball community nationwide. Learn more about Southern Pickleball at www.southernpickleball.com or by heading to @southernpickleball on Facebook & Instagram.
About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. It is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). VSC meets the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, fiscal management, and ethical principles. Visit www.visitsarasota.com for more information.
Media Contact
Visit Sarasota County
Elizabeth Knight
941-468-1554