This weekend’s Mount Maunganui Classic is set to make history as New Zealand’s largest pickleball tournament when it takes place at the Mercury Baypark Arena in Tauranga.

The landmark event will draw 286 players from across the country and internationally to play pickleball from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1.

“We’ve got people coming from all over the country and even a couple from overseas – Adelaide and Santa Barbara, California,” says Mount Pickleball Club president Bob Smith.

Bob says among the competitors are five players who have been selected to represent New Zealand in the Pickleball World Cup in Peru this October.

Organised by the Mount Pickleball Club, which has rapidly grown to become one of NZ’s largest pickleball clubs with more than 200 members in just five years, the event promises an exciting weekend of top-level competition.

The tournament, supported by the Western Bay Community Events Fund, will commence today, August 30, with the Super – aged 60-plus – Men’s and Women’s B Grade Doubles starting at 1pm.

“The action intensifies on Saturday, August 31, with 226 players participating and will conclude on Sunday, September 1, with 194 players competing in the Mixed competitions,” says Bob.

“Play on both Saturday and Sunday will start at 8.30am and continue until approximately 5.30pm.

“Don’t miss the chance to witness New Zealand’s biggest pickleball tournament right in your own area.”