Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1476674
the cornfield in Iowa, "If you build it, they will come" rang true for Maconites as they began to host pickleball tournaments. "For the logical, physical reasons, we have one of the best facilities in the state with 17 dedicated courts – and the ability to expand to 25 courts, which allows us to run higher volume tournaments than most places in Georgia," stated John Roberts, Macon Pickleball ambassador and board member. "Beyond the facility, there are the geographic advantages of being in the middle of the state and then beyond the physical infrastructure and the geographic luxury, Macon has the best people." According to Roberts, the people of Macon Pickleball have a phenomenal reputation as one of the most welcoming groups in the sport. And their genuine warmth and hospitality has permeated through the events and tournaments they host. Roberts, who had over 15 years of experience leading events in collegiate athletics, formed grand plans for pickleball tournaments in Macon. With the help of Midkiff and the Macon Pickleball army that was growing, Macon hosted its first tournament of significance in October 2020. It was the Habitat for Humanity Home Court Pickleball Tournament, now a multi-day tournament that draws between 200 - 300 registrants and continues to grow each year. All proceeds go to the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity. With the success of that tournament came many more Macon-hosted pickleball events that have drawn hundreds of participants, including the Pinkest Pickleball Party on the Planet during the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Macon Love Tournament and The Macon Beer Bash. Macon won a competitive bid to host the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) State Pickleball Championship as well as the Georgia Pickleball Association (GPA) State Championship in 2021 and 2022. And with over 30 other pickleball facilities in the state, the GPA awarded Tattnall Square Pickleball and Tennis Center with the Facility of the Year Award in 2021. One thing that Macon Pickleball does to make the tournament experience special is getting local community organizations and businesses involved. To kick off a Macon Pickleball tournament, a local business hosts a player party for all of the people playing to enjoy one another and socialize. Player party hosts have included Fall Line Brewing Company, The Society Garden and Just Tap'd. Walking into a tournament at Tattnall Square Park, there's a party environment that's hard to miss out on, with music playing, the roaring voice of John Roberts over the PA, blankets and chairs set up all around and laughter as people catch up with some of their closest friends. A typical day at a Macon Pickleball tournament can start with fresh bagels from Macon Bagels, then progress further to win gift cards to any number of local sponsors during a day of play including I THINK THAT PICKLEBALL IS ONE OF THOSE FEW ACTIVITIES THAT NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, YOU CAN ENJOY THIS SPORT. AND WE HOPE THE PIVOTAL MALL PROJECT CAN BE AN INVITATION EVEN FURTHER OUTSIDE THE STATE TO SHOW THAT MACON REALLY IS SOMETHING SPECIAL." – ALEX MORRISON " 76 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022