Austin is set for a Memorial Day pickleball extravaganza as Major League Pickleball’s Austin Classic brings top pros, big prizes, and community flair to the city.
Austin, often dubbed America’s pickleball capital, is gearing up to host the MLP Austin Classic over Memorial Day weekend (May 23–26, 2025). This four-day tournament marks the third stop of the 2025 Major League Pickleball season, and it’s on pace to sell over 10,000 tickets, a testament to both the sport’s surging popularity and Austin’s appetite for pickleball. From nationally ranked players and celebrity-backed teams. The event underscores why pickleball’s boom is capturing the country’s attention.
A Flagship Tournament on the National Stage
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has quickly become a premier showcase in the broader pickleball landscape. The Austin Classic is poised to be one of MLP’s most significant events yet, even featuring the season debuts of all six Challenger-level teams (including the new Nashville Chefs) alongside five Premier-level teams in action. In total, 16 co-ed professional teams will clash in Austin, battling for ranking points, pride, and a shot at the league’s championship trophy, the prestigious Pritchard Cup, considered the toughest title in pro pickleball. It’s a high-stakes stop on the road to the MLP playoffs in August, with a hefty prize purse on the line.
Top competitors and teams from around the country will be there. The hometown franchise, the Texas Ranchers, leads the charge, joined by star-studded rivals like Mark Cuban’s Dallas Flash, Patrick Mahomes’ Miami Pickleball Club, Gary Vaynerchuk’s New Jersey 5s, the Orlando Squeeze, among others. These team owners’ high profiles reflect how far pickleball has come – even NBA, NFL, and entertainment figures are invested in the sport’s success. Fans can expect to see many of the world’s elite pickleball pros on court, showcasing the fast-paced rallies and daring shots that have made pickleball a spectator sensation.
When and where:
The tournament runs Friday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend at Austin Pickle Ranch, a new state-of-the-art pickleball complex in the city. It’s MLP’s first return to Austin since the league’s inaugural event here in 2021, coming home to the city that hosted the very first MLP competition. Matches will take place each day, likely culminating in championship rounds on the final afternoon. For those not in the stands, the media coverage is extensive – you can catch the action streaming live on MLP’s website and YouTube channel, as well as on dedicated pickleball TV outlets (PBTV). Select marquee matches will even air on major sports networks like CBS Sports, ESPN, and Fox Sports, bringing Austin’s courts to a national audience. In short, MLP Austin will have the country watching
Austin’s Local Impact: Sports, Economy and Culture
Hosting a pro pickleball event is more than just a sports honor for Austin – it’s a boost to the local economy and a point of pride for the community. Thousands of visitors are expected in town for the tournament, filling hotel rooms and packing local restaurants. Memorial Day travelers following their favorite teams will be injecting tourism dollars into the city. “Pickleball is now core to Austin’s culture,” says Texas Ranchers owner Evan Floersch, whose group is hosting the event. Alongside city leaders, the Ranchers have worked to cement Austin as the Capital of Pickleball, and a major event like this one only reinforces that status. By building on Austin’s already strong sports scene, organizers hope the MLP Classic becomes an annual Memorial Day tradition that draws fans from across Texas and beyond.
Local businesses are also seizing the opportunity. The tournament venue will feature a family-friendly “sports village” highlighting Austin flavors and vendors – essentially turning the event into a mini-festival. Attendees can enjoy local food trucks and a vendor marketplace, a kids’ zone with bounce houses and face painting, and even a “bark park” so fans can bring their dogs. Live music will keep the party going in the evenings, and there’s more than just pickleball on the program: an on-site pro beach volleyball tournament (hosted Saturday and Sunday) offers extra entertainment for sports lovers. All of this creates a carnival atmosphere that showcases Austin’s social spirit and gives local entrepreneurs a chance to shine.
Pickleball Boom in Austin: By the Numbers
The rise of pickleball in Austin has been nothing short of phenomenal. A recent industry report crowned Austin as America’s pickleball capital based on its participation and growth metrics. Here are some standout figures illustrating the sport’s footprint in the Austin area:
- Huge player base – The Austin Metro Pickleball Association now boasts roughly 3,000–3,500 members, and local experts estimate 15,000–20,000 Austinites play pickleball at least occasionally. Of those, about 8,000–10,000 are regular players who hit the courts multiple times a month. This means a significant chunk of the population is engaged with the sport, whether casually or competitively.
- Packed courts – There are over 100 pickleball facilities in the city and surrounding suburbs (from public park courts to private clubs), and they’re heavily used. Court reservation systems often show 70–80% peak utilization during prime hours, with many venues reporting waitlists for evening and weekend play. It can be a challenge to find an open court in Austin – a good problem to have, as it reflects intense demand.
- Coaching and lessons demand – Austin’s growth has created a boom for pickleball coaches. About 28 certified instructors operate in the area, and they’ve been hustling to keep up with interest. TeachMe.To saw Austin’s lesson demand surge 125% year-over-year, with local instructors reporting around 92% of their available slots filled. In fact, Austin now accounts for roughly 16.9% of all pickleball lessons booked nationwide on TeachMe.To, by far the largest share of any city.
- Continued growth – There’s no sign of slowdown. New pickleball complexes are opening, and local clubs are adding leagues and tournaments to meet demand. Retailers are selling paddles as fast as they stock them. Simply put, interest keeps climbing – and events like the MLP Classic tend to spur even more inquiries from people wanting to play.
These numbers paint the picture of a city in love with pickleball. Austin’s “perfect storm” of year-round good weather, a strong social sports culture, and backing from tech and business communities has made it the ideal breeding ground for the sport’s growth. It’s no wonder that national pickleball organizations and tour events are increasingly turning their eyes to Austin.
Voices from Austin’s Pickleball Community
Beyond the statistics, the real impact of pickleball in Austin is best told through personal stories. Around town, you’ll hear countless tales of how this sport brings people together. “Pickleball brings people together in a way that few other sports do,” says one local player, emphasizing the easy camaraderie formed on the courts. On any given evening, Austin’s open-play sessions mix retirees with college students, longtime athletes with complete beginners. The sport’s inclusive, all-ages appeal is knitting the social fabric of Austin a bit tighter, one rally at a time.
The health benefits are also front and center in these personal accounts. Robert Isles, 72, is a regular at the TownLake YMCA and a pickleball devotee. After 44 years of distance running, he turned to pickleball when a knee injury sidelined his jogging routine and he hasn’t looked back. The sport provided a low-impact way to stay active and competitive. Isles says the quick reflexes and focus that pickleball requires are great for keeping his mind sharp. “You get tied up in a point and you’re just totally focused on that… it’s a good mental exercise,” he notes, explaining how being engrossed in a game can make you forget about any stress or even what the score is.
And it’s not only the older folks. Talk to young professionals who play in Austin, and you’ll hear how pickleball has expanded their social circle beyond the workplace. Talk to parents, and they’ll mention playing doubles with their teenagers as a rare and fun family bonding activity.
Get in the Game: Attend, Watch, or Start Playing
If all this has you intrigued, the call to action is simple: come be a part of it! The MLP Austin Classic offers a prime opportunity to witness professional pickleball up close. Tickets are still available at various levels – from affordable single-day grounds passes (around $25 for general admission) to premium courtside and VIP packages. Even a basic ticket grants access to an entire day of matches and the surrounding festivities, making it a great outing for families over the holiday weekend. The Austin Pickle Ranch venue is prepared to handle big crowds, and organizers promise an energetic, welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and hardcore fans alike. If you can’t make it in person, you can still catch the excitement on screen.
Perhaps the most enduring impact of hosting an event like this is the spark it can ignite in everyday folks. Feeling inspired to pick up a paddle? In Austin, it’s easier than ever to get started. The city’s robust network of public courts and clubs means you’re never far from a game. Even if you’ve never played, there are beginner-friendly meetups and clinics happening weekly. For a more guided introduction, local coaches are ready to help – and finding one is as simple as a few clicks. Services like TeachMe.To allow you to book a pickleball lesson with qualified instructors in the Austin area on your schedule, whether you’re an absolute novice or looking to hone your skills. With dozens of instructors and flexible options, you can be out on the court learning the basics almost immediately. Many new players say that after just an hour or two of instruction, they feel confident enough to join casual games, which then opens the door to the wonderful social network the sport provides.
In the end, the MLP Austin Classic is more than a professional tournament; it’s a celebration of a movement. It’s a chance for longtime pickleball enthusiasts to cheer on the pros and for the pickleball-curious to see what the buzz is about. It’s also an invitation – to the people of Austin and anyone visiting – to jump into a sport that’s fun, accessible, and richly rewarding. So come watch the rallies, enjoy the local flavors, and maybe even sign yourself up for a lesson. Austin’s pickleball community is ready to welcome you with open arms (and maybe a spare paddle). The courts are waiting – let’s play!
