<h2>Missouri Pickleball Club Thanksgiving Classic</h2>
<p>Join one of the largest pickleball events in the nation as players from across the United States and beyond come together for an incredible weekend of competition, community, and championship play. This event welcomes players of <strong>all skill levels</strong>, from first-time tournament players to seasoned competitors.</p>
<p>This event continues the Missouri Pickleball Club tradition of providing outstanding competition, a great tournament atmosphere, and the quality experience players have come to expect.</p>
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<h3>Tournament Information</h3>
<p><strong>Skill Levels:</strong> Open to all skill levels.</p>
<p><strong>Locations:</strong> Depending on registration size, play may take place at one or both Missouri Pickleball Club locations: Ellisville and Fenton.</p>
<p><strong>Rules & Officiating:</strong> This tournament follows <strong>USA Pickleball rules</strong>, and <strong>referees will be on duty</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Partners:</strong> Players are responsible for securing their own partners.</p>
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<h3>Daily Schedule</h3>
<p><strong>For the first brackets of each day:</strong></p>
<p><strong>7:30 AM — National Anthem and Player Briefing</strong><br>
Court assignments immediately follow.</p>
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<h3>Arrival & Timing Expectations</h3>
<p>Players are strongly encouraged to <strong>arrive approximately 1 hour before their posted bracket time</strong> to find parking, check in, locate a warm-up court, and get settled.</p>
<p><strong>Additional Timing Notes:</strong></p>
<p>• Player briefing occurs approximately <strong>45 minutes before bracket start</strong>.</p>
<p>• Matches may begin being assigned approximately <strong>30 minutes before posted bracket time</strong>.</p>
<p>• Players should remain attentive to announcements and court assignments after checking in.</p>
<p>• Players who do not report to their assigned court within tournament and rule guidelines may be subject to a <strong>match forfeit</strong>.</p>
<p>• Brackets will automatically be posted at approximately <strong>12:00 AM midnight on the day of play</strong>.</p>
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<h3>Time Commitment</h3>
<p>One of the most common questions players ask is: <em>"Will I be there all day?"</em></p>
<p><strong>Not necessarily.</strong></p>
<p>While schedules vary depending on division size and format, players who advance all the way to the <strong>gold medal match</strong> generally experience approximately <strong>4–6 hours from first match through final match</strong>. Many players will finish sooner depending on bracket size and results.</p>
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<h3>Tournament Format</h3>
<p>The format is designed to maximize play opportunities while creating a competitive championship environment.</p>
<p><strong>Round Robin + Single Elimination Playoff Format</strong></p>
<p><strong>Round Robin Stage:</strong> Games to <strong>15</strong>, win by 2. Round robin play determines advancement into playoffs.</p>
<p><strong>Playoff Stage:</strong> Single elimination playoff bracket.</p>
<p><strong>Gold Medal Match:</strong> Best <strong>2 out of 3 games</strong> to <strong>11</strong>, win by 2.</p>
<p><strong>Bronze Medal Match:</strong> Single game to <strong>15</strong>, win by 2.</p>
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<h3>Ratings & Results</h3>
<p>Match results will be uploaded through tournament software and submitted to the <strong>DUPR</strong> system.</p>
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<h3>Tournament Operations & Flexibility</h3>
<p>Tournament management reserves the right to modify schedules, adjust formats, combine or merge brackets, and make changes as necessary for the successful operation of the event.</p>
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<h3>Why Players Love This Event</h3>
<p>• Outstanding competition across all skill levels</p>
<p>• Players from multiple states and international participation</p>
<p>• Strong community atmosphere</p>
<p>• Professional tournament operations</p>
<p>• Referees and organized play</p>
<p>• A welcoming experience for new and experienced players alike</p>
<p>The Missouri Pickleball Club Thanksgiving Classic brings together more than competition. It brings together players, families, friendships, and a shared love of the game.</p>
<p><strong>IMPORTANT — ALL TOURNAMENT QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE "CONTACT TOURNAMENT" BUTTON ON THIS PAGE.</strong></p>
<p>We look forward to serving you and seeing you on the courts at the Missouri Pickleball Club Thanksgiving Classic!</p>
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