Blue Ridge Pickleball Takes Center Court in Asheville, Aug. 12–16
ASHEVILLE, NC – This August, one of Asheville’s most storied courts will welcome a new kind of competition.
Blue Ridge Pickleball will take over Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville from Aug. 12–16, 2026, offering five days of introductory clinics, open play, tournaments and community activities for players of different ages and experience levels.
The event will be played on the same court where former world No. 1 Andy Roddick competed during Stars Serving up Love and Asheville hosted the Billie Jean King Cup. For one week, that court will be transformed into six pickleball courts and opened to the local community.
“We are truly excited to dip our toes into the pickleball waters, and help advance a sport here locally that continues growing nationwide,” said Chris Smith, President of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. “This event will shine the spotlight on the pickleball community here locally while perhaps also introducing some to the game.”
Blue Ridge Pickleball is the product of a broad community partnership among the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Asheville Pickleball Association, Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, BallCrank Pickleball Club (Coming Soon), and Asheville Parks & Recreation. Together, the organizations are coordinating court setup, equipment, volunteers, participant outreach, event operations and beginner instruction.
“Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville has hosted unforgettable tennis moments, from Andy Roddick’s appearance at Stars Servin’ Up Love to the Billie Jean King Cup, and now we have the opportunity to help our community create new memories on that same court,” said Chris Corl of Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. “Transforming the arena into six pickleball courts will showcase the venue in an entirely new way, and we hope every player and spectator feels welcomed, energized and excited to be part of this special local sports experience.”
The event begins Wednesday, Aug. 12, with an Introduction to Pickleball session from 10 a.m. to noon. The clinic is free for children ages 12 and younger and $5 for all other participants. Three open-play sessions follow from 3–5 p.m., 5–7 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. Each session will accommodate up to 30 players and costs $5 per person.
Open play continues Thursday, Aug. 13, with sessions from 3–5 p.m., 5–7 p.m. and 7–9 p.m., again featuring six courts and space for up to 30 players per session.
On Friday, Aug. 14, the Asheville Pickleball Association will host a free, invitation-only volunteer appreciation event from 6–9 p.m.
“This inaugural Blue Ridge Pickleball Event is a true community collaboration,” said Dianna Pierce of the Asheville Pickleball Association. “It’s a first-of-its-kind effort to showcase what a future tournament site in Asheville could look like while strengthening partnerships across the region.”
Tournament play takes center stage Saturday, Aug. 15. A Luck of the Draw Tournament will run from noon–2 p.m., with space for 24 players at $10 per person. A Dink Tournament follows from 2:30–4:30 p.m., accommodating up to 12 teams at $20 per team. Spectators may attend both tournaments free of charge.
The week concludes Sunday, Aug. 16, with another Introduction to Pickleball session from 1–3 p.m. The session will accommodate up to 12 participants and is free for children ages 12 and younger and $5 for all others.
From first-time players learning the rules to experienced competitors testing their touch in the Dink Tournament, Blue Ridge Pickleball is designed to celebrate the sport’s rapid local growth and the community spirit behind it.
Registration is limited for each session. For registration details and event updates, click on the button below!