The fastest-growing sport in North America continues to build momentum in Steinbach, and the Southeast Event Centre is making it easier than ever for players of all experience levels to get involved.
Tournament and summer league welcome players of all skill levels
After a successful spring pickleball league that drew a mix of beginners and seasoned players, the Southeast Event Centre is now preparing for its first-ever open tournament on May 30, dubbed the “Claim the Crown” tournament.
“We had a great league already that ran through March and April,” says Gabe Brandt, director of sports programming at the Southeast Event Centre. “There were some really accomplished pickleball players and beginners as well, and it ended up being a really cool environment.”
Brandt says the welcoming atmosphere has been one of the biggest highlights of the growing local pickleball community.
Michelle Sawatzky Koop mentioned she had a chance to play in the league and felt completely at home. “I subbed one time, and I’m a complete newbie,” she said. “I had never actually played before, but I felt completely welcome and had a great time.”
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A tournament for everyone
The upcoming “Claim the Crown” tournament is designed to give players a fun and accessible competitive experience without feeling intimidating for newcomers.
“We wanted to provide Steinbach with a safe, accessible place where people can come and play in a tournament,” says Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, director of communications, marketing and sales. “It can be competitive, but it’s also a great opportunity to come with a partner and put your skills to the test.”
To help keep games balanced and enjoyable, participants will compete in beginner, intermediate and advanced categories.
“That way everyone can play against people at their own level,” Brandt says.
The tournament will take place inside the TG Smith Arena, transforming the space into a lively multi-court pickleball venue.
“Everyone will be playing together in the arena, which creates a really cool buzz and tournament feel,” says Sawatzky-Koop. “A lot of us remember spending entire days at tournaments as kids – grabbing lunch between games and cheering people on. There’s a bit of that nostalgia that comes with this too.”
Summer league returns
The Southeast Event Centre is also launching its Court House League Summer Series following strong participation in the spring season.
The new league will run Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm in the SCU Gymnasium – an earlier time slot than the spring season, something organizers say many players requested.
“We received a lot of positive feedback on our spring league,” Brandt says. “Summer is obviously a big time for pickleball, but we have a beautiful space here at the Southeast Event Centre and we’re excited to keep that momentum going.”
Both the tournament and summer league are open to members and non-members alike. Tournament registration costs $20 for current Court House members and $40 for non-members.
Organizers say becoming a member offers added benefits, including free drop-in pickleball opportunities and discounted league and tournament fees.
“Pickleball is going crazy right now,” says Sawatzky-Koop. “We’ve got a lot of time and a lot of space at the Southeast Event Centre, so we’d love people to come down and give it a try.”
Registration for both programs is available through the Southeast Event Centre website under the facilities tab.
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