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.
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Timestamps:Â
00:00 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