Pickleball’s influence is desired at major events and by pro sports franchises

Pickleball has become so popular that major events such as this past weekend’s Miami Grand Prix Formula One race had a pickleball court as part of the fan experience.

The Florida Panthers – the reigning Stanley Cup champions – had their second annual Pickleball Day on April 10.

In addition, the Miami Marlins had pickleball star Catherine Parenteau throw out the first pitch this past Sunday. The Marlins will also have their third-annual Pickleball Day on May 18.

Here’s a closer look at the three aforementioned events:

MIAMI GRAND PRIX

The idea to build the temporary pickleball court at the Hard Rock Stadium grounds for the Miami Grand Prix came from Marcus Fischer, who is the director of sponsorships for Group 1001/Gainbridge, which is a financial company.

“We are one of the founding sponsors of Miami Grand Prix,” Fischer said, “and everything we do is to enhance the fan experience.”

For the race, Gainbridge had the naming rights for Hard Rock Stadium’s North Campus.

That meant there was something called “Gainbridge Gardens”, which included a bar and the pickleball court.

As part of the pickleball experience, there was a speed gun to record the fastest serves.

There was also open play, which was free with the purchase of a race ticket.

Fischer said the location of the pickleball court was perfect.

“It was right across the bridge from the paddock,” Fischer said. “The F1 Miami Pit Crew stopped by, and we also had pickleball pros Ryan Fu and Tyra Black.

“We also gave away towels and cooling fans to keep fans chill.”

For the past three years, Fischer has played pickleball, mostly with his four daughters – ages 15, 13, 8 and 6.

“I quickly realized that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country,” Fischer said. “Tying the fastest-growing sport with the actual fastest sport seemed like a natural.”

FLORIDA PANTHERS

Diadem Pickleball Complex, which has nine state-of-the-art indoor courts in Coconut Creek, helped the Panthers set up on April 10.

“We were set up on the concourse on the way in to the arena,” said Kevin McLaughlin, who is a sponsorship manager for Diadem. “If you were walking into the stadium, you were at least exposed to us.”

McLaughlin said pro pickleball players put on an exhibition at the Panthers’ 2024 event.

But not this year.

“It seemed like the fans were more interested in getting on the court and hitting as opposed to watching the pros,” McLaughlin said.

“This year, it was challenging because it rained, and that left limited play time.”

McLaughlin said 175 fans ordered a ticket package that came complete with a limited-edition Panthers paddle.

“The South Florida pickleball community is very active,” McLaughlin said, “and there’s a large segment of them who are Panthers fans.”

MIAMI MARLINS

The Marlins had a pickleball day even earlier than the Panthers, starting in 2023.

Anna Leigh Waters – an 18-year-old who is considered the best female player in the world – threw out the first pitch for the Marlins’ first Pickleball Day. Bobbi Oshiro, another highly-ranked female player, threw out the first pitch for the Marlins in last year’s Pickleball Day.

This year’s event was supposed to happen on Sunday, but it got pushed back due to construction issues. That’s why Parenteau threw out the first pitch on Sunday, and the Marlins are searching for another pickleball star for May 18.

Sergio Gomez, a membership executive on the Marlins’ sales team, has been playing pickleball for one year. When the opportunity came for him to spearhead the third-annual Marlins Pickleball Day, he jumped at the chance.

“This is part of our broader effort to embrace emerging sports and foster deeper community engagement,” Gomez said. “With Pickleball Day, the Marlins are promoting an active lifestyle while strengthening our ties with fans of all ages and backgrounds.”

Gomez said there will be one pickleball court set up on May 18, and open play will begin at 11:30 a.m. There will be a pro exhibition at noon and skills and drills at 12:30 p.m.

The court will be set up on the West Plaza, outside LoanDepot Park. To participate in Pickleball Day activities, a ticket to the game will be required.

Former MLB outfielder and racquetball star Jeff Conine – also known as Mr. Marlin – was a part of the team’s first two pickleball days.

It is not yet known if Conine will be back again on May 18.

The Fort – Broward County’s epic 43-court pickleball palace – is helping the Marlins set up for the May 18 event.

David Tabb, who is the membership director for the Fort, will be working on Marlins Pickleball Day for the third straight year, and he said it’s been a blast so far.

“We get hundreds of people coming through our pickleball set-up,” Tabb said. “The community gets together. They play some pickleball. They watch a baseball game.

“It’s a ton of fun.”