Pickleball popularity continues to surge, The Wuerffel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit focused on inspiring greater service and unity, today announced the 2nd Annual PickleBowl presented by Selkirk Sport will take place on Tuesday, September 19, at ITA Atlanta.
Heisman Trophy Winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel — now also a passionate pickleball player — will once again serve as host of the charity event that will feature a line-up of professional pickleball players competing alongside celebrities, former athletes, musicians and entertainers.
This serves as a lead-in to a huge pickleball event.
PickleBowl. In 2022, Wuerffel teamed up with pickleball pro Kyle Yates, representing the University of Florida, to capture the very first title. This year the duo will look to defend their title as the charitable event pairs professional pickleball players with celebrities representing their alma maters for ultimate bragging rights.
With the Major League Pickleball Atlanta event on September 21-24, a group of Pro Pickleball players and owners will also participate in the PickleBowl this year. In total, there are expected to be 24 teams competing for the 2023 title.
Wuerffel will be joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry; American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips; Director/Producer Doug Ellin, Pro Beach Volleyball player Casey Patterson, and NFL Alumni & Analysts including David Pollack, Marcellus Wiley, Eric Decker and Danny Kannell among other celebrities, as they compete alongside a strong line-up of the most accomplished professional pickleball players in the world, including Yates, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, JW and Jorja Johnson, Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, and more.
The beneficiary of the 2023 PickleBowl Presented by Selkirk Sport is The Wuerffel Foundation, which has a mission to inspire greater service and unity in communities. A renowned humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters. The Wuerffel Foundation also annually presents the Wuerffel Trophy, College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.
“Not only is pickleball a new passion of mine, it’s also the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.,” Danny Wuerffel said. “The opportunity to showcase the sport with an incredible line-up of celebrities competing alongside the world’s best professional athletes, all while supporting a great cause, is very meaningful.”
Selkirk Sport, a family-owned business based in Hayden, Idaho, is at the forefront of pickleball’s surge in popularity because of its product innovation, market leadership, philanthropic initiatives, Selkirk TV, professional tour sponsorship and elite line-up of brand ambassadors.
The event will occur at ITA Atlanta, a new full-service tennis and pickleball facility equipped with 19 pickleball courts and covered tennis courts, conveniently located in Metro Atlanta.
Joining as sponsors of 2023 PickleBowl Presented by Selkirk Sport are PCKL, DUPR, and the DC Pickleball Club, with others to be named soon. A limited number of tickets to attend the event are on sale at picklebowl.net. Tickets include access to the event at ITA Atlanta, food, 2 drink tickets, and more for $150 each.
It all begins with a special introductory clinic hosted by some of the most accomplished professional pickleball players at 1 p.m., followed by the doubles tournament from 3-7 p.m. and the much-anticipated awards presentation. The PickleBowl tournament will be live-streamed on Selkirk TV, MLP and PPA. For the most up-to-date list of pickleball pros and celebrities participating in the PickleBowl 2023, visit https://picklebowl.net/players/.
