The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced its first APP Signature Event of its 2024 calendar, the inaugural APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open, which will be held Jan. 3 to 7 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
This event will mark one of the largest pickleball events ever in the state of Indiana and is presented in partnership with Westfield Sports Commission, Hamilton County Sports Authority, Hamilton County Tourism, Indiana Sports and Tourism Bid Fund, and Grand National Racquet Center, a world-class racquet facility in development in Westfield and opening in 2025.
The first competition of its kind, the 2024 APP Collegiate Championships, will invite the top college pickleball teams from across the nation to showcase their skills in head-to-head competition. Each team will comprise a minimum of four players (two women and two men) and a maximum of six players (three women and three men) and compete in a unique new team competition. Matches from pool play through the finals will be rally scoring, win by one, and consist of singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Scoring will follow the Every. Pickle. Point. Counts.™ scoring system where scoring for match wins is cumulative with points bonuses for games won. Under this scoring system, every game and every point matters.
College teams wishing to enter the tournament are asked to register their intention to field a team via theapp.global. Complete registration details for all college teams confirmed to take part will be shared at a later date by the APP.
Alongside the APP Collegiate Championships, the APP will hold the APP Midwest Open for players of all ages and skill levels. The event will also feature a Pro Wildcard Playoff, guaranteeing pro champions a Wildcard entry into a designated 2024 APP Tour event. The amateur brackets will follow the traditional APP double-elimination format for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. Amateur and wildcard pro player registrations for the event are open on PickleballBrackets.com.
The 2024 APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open will take place at the 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. Grand Park Sports Campus is home to the Pacers Athletic Center, serves as the training camp home for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, and boasts 57 outdoor fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, and softball.
“I am so excited to see the vision come to reality with the launch of this event with the APP and such a terrific group of committed partners,” said John Moorin, Founder, MD Sports Marketing. “When I first talked to Ken Hermann [APP Founder] about the idea to bring collegiate pickleball to Westfield, I knew I called the right person. I have many unforgettable memories playing in APP events, and I am so happy to help create that same excitement for the college athletes who will compete in this great, nationally televised event. It will be incredible – I just wish I was still at school to compete myself!”
“We are excited to host the 2024 APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open here at Grand Park Sports Campus for this inaugural event!” Grand Park Director Matt Trnian said. “The addition of pickleball to the campus continues to show how we can utilize the facility for a variety of sports.”
Grand Park Events Center, a 377,000 square-foot facility, will be transformed into a pickleball mecca for the APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open, featuring 28 pickleball courts and a Championship Court, as well as stadium seating with visibility of all courts, VIP seating, player locker rooms, and a large bar and restaurant overlooking play.
“We are thrilled to be heading to Westfield for our first APP Signature Event of 2024, the inaugural APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open,” APP Founder Ken Herrmann said. “This event is a special one – it’s the first of its kind to feature collegiate-level pickleball teams battling it out for gold. We’ll also welcome hundreds of amateur players to participate in their unique tournament. Pickleball truly is a sport for everyone – not just elite professionals, but seniors, amateurs, and those picking up a paddle for the first time – and the APP Signature Events will provide a world-class tournament atmosphere for them all.”
Westfield Sports Commission President Matt Deck said, “The Westfield Sports Commission could not be more excited about our first official event and the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with the APP!”
“I am thrilled to welcome the Association of Pickleball Players and all participants to the inaugural APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open at Grand Park Sports Campus”, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said. “This event marks a significant milestone for our city, showcasing our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering community through sports. We are honored to host this prestigious event and look forward to witnessing the passion and talent of pickleball players nationwide.”
“The Hamilton County Sports Authority team looks forward to welcoming the APP for this innovative and exciting new event highlighting both collegiate and open play,” Hamilton County Sports Authority Director Carl Daniels said. “It’s tremendous to see the platform the APP provides for pickleball players of all skill levels. Our team is excited to create a memorable experience for all these athletes in our destination.”
“I am excited to join the celebration of athleticism and sportsmanship that the APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open bring to our city,” Westfield Mayor-elect Scott Willis said. “I congratulate the APP for organizing this event and thank them for choosing Westfield as the host location. This is a first for Grand Park and an expansion of sporting events at the park. I am eager to support and continue building upon initiatives that enhance our community’s quality of life and promote the spirit of competition.”
About the APP
Founded in 2019, the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) serves professionals, amateurs and recreational players of all ages in the fastest growing sport in the USA. The APP operates the APP Tour, the first and only tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The 2023 APP Tour slate has 16 announced tournament stops, in addition to International and Collegiate Series events. The APP also prides itself on developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its Next Gen Series, the Next Gen National Team, and other youth initiatives. To stay updated on the APP, visit theapp.global.
About Hamilton County Sports Authority
Hamilton County Sports Authority (HCSA), a division of Hamilton County Tourism, creates positive economic and community impact by attracting, supporting and developing sporting events, facilities and clubs for Hamilton County.
About the Westfield Sports Commission
The Westfield Sports Commission (WSC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that was formed in 2023 to grow sports tourism in the City of Westfield. WSC attracts, supports, and leverages diverse, high-quality sporting events to positively impact the quality of life, image, and long-term economic stability of the community.