Feb. 20, 2026

Inside the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World with US Open President, Ben Weinberger

Show Notes

Ever wonder what it takes to organize 7,000 players, 500 pros, and 56,000 fans in a single week? Welcome Inside the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Weinberger, President and Tournament Director of the US Open Pickleball Championships. Ben reveals the staggering growth of the 10th-anniversary tournament, the "humbling" reality of turning away thousands of lottery applicants, and the business strategy behind the DraftKings-backed acquisition of the sport's most iconic event.

Key Takeaways
Record-Breaking Demand: A record 7,126 players entered the lottery for the 2026 event, a massive jump that forced the tournament to turn away nearly 50% of applicants.

Unmatched Inclusion: For the 10th year, the Open is expanding its reach with an official Special Olympics tournament and the largest wheelchair field in the sport.

The "Electric" Environment: Pros consistently rank the Zing Zang Championship Court as the most atmospheric venue in pickleball due to fan proximity.

Strategy for Players: Ben emphasizes "Hydration and Acclimation," recommending that players from the North arrive in Naples several days early to adjust to the 90-degree humidity.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:39 Meet Ben Weinberger

01:45 Ben's Pickleball Origin Story: DraftKings, Venture Funds & Acquiring the US Open

04:18 The Lottery Numbers: 7,126 Entries, 3,500 Spots & Global Reach

06:45 Inclusivity at Scale: Juniors, Wheelchair Field & Special Olympics Partnership

09:19 How the US Open Evolved: From 800 Players in 2016 to a Weeklong Takeover

12:50 Behind the Scenes: 500+ Volunteers and 150+ Referees Powering the Event

18:14 Inside Zing Zang Championship Court: Electric Atmosphere, Tickets & VIP Seating

20:20 Fan Experience Up Close: Free Park Access, Pro Interaction & 59 Courts of Action

22:41 Giving Back: Charity Support & Free Pro Matches Across 59 Courts

23:40 Rising Stars in the Pro Brackets: Can a Teen Win?

24:59 Record Demand & Qualifiers: The Youth Surge in High-Level Divisions

27:01 Does Ben Play? Plus One Must-Have Player Tip: Hydrate & Embrace the Big Stage

29:37 Spectator Pro Tips: Specialty Drinks, Best Food Finds & Beating the Parking Rush

32:20 Make It a Trip: Acclimate Early, Explore Naples & Set Up in Player Village

34:36 Quickfire Either/Or: Mixed vs Doubles, Open vs Senior Pros, and More

36:39 Celeb Sightings & Pro Athletes Who Play the US Open

39:03 What's Next for the US Open: Growth, New Events, and Venue Expansion

41:36 How to Stay Involved: Website, Connections Group, and Final Wrap-Up