2023 USA Pickleball Great Lakes Diamond Regional
Sawyer Point Pickleball & Tennis Courts, 815 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati Ohio, 45202
Description
SATURDAY RAIN DELAY IN PROGRESS:
FORMAT IS BEING ADJUSTED. ROUND ROBIN WILL REMAIN THE SAME, BUT PLAYOFF WILL CHANGE. TOP FOUR TEAMS FROM ROUND ROBIN WILL ADVANCE DIRECTLY TO MEDAL MATCH. TOP TWO TEAMS PLAY FOR GOLD, 3rd AND 4th PLAY FOR BRONZE. IF YOU ARE BROKEN INTO POOLS, TOP TWO TEAMS FROM EACH POOL ADVANCE DIRECTLY TO MEDAL MATCH.
PLAYING AT SAWYER POINT TODAY (original venue):
All 8AM brackets - NEW START TIME 10:30 at Sawyer Point (original venue)
Mixed Doubles 3.5 50-59 - Original start time 1:00; NEW START TIME 1:30
Mixed Doubles 4.0 12-29, 30-39 - Original start time 1:00; NEW START TIME 1:30
Mixed Doubles 4.0 40-49 - Original start time 1:00; NEW START TIME 1:30
Mixed Doubles 3.5 70-74, 75-79 - Original start time 3:30; NEW START TIME 2:00
Mixed Doubles 4.0 55-59 - Original start time 4:00; NEW START TIME 2:30
Mixed Doubles 4.5 12-29 - Original start time 4:30; NEW START TIME 5:30
Mixed Doubles 3.0 12-29, 30-39 - Original start time 5:00; NEW START TIME 5:30
Mixed Doubles 3.0 50-54 55-59 - Original start time 5:00; NEW START TIME 5:30
Mixed Doubles 3.5 60-64 - Original start time 5:00; NEW START TIME 5:30
PLAYING AT LUNKEN PLAYFIELD
4750 Playfield Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45226
CHECK IN STARTS AT 1:30
Mixed Doubles 4.0 50-54 - Original start time 11:00; NEW START TIME 2:00
Mixed Doubles 4.5 30-39 - Original start time 11:30; NEW START TIME 2:00
Mixed Doubles 3.5 65-69 - Original start time 12:30; NEW START TIME 2:00
Mixed Doubles 4.0, 4.5 65-69 - Original start time 12:30; NEW START TIME 2:00
Mixed Doubles 3.5 12-29, 30-39 - Original start time 1:00; NEW START TIME 2:00
WE ARE STILL WORKING ON BRACKETS THAT WERE SCHEDULED TO START AFTER 3:30. You may be playing EARLIER than originally planned, as we were able to secure additional outdoor courts for today. No more than 90 minutes earlier than scheduled. To be posted shortly.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING START TIMES: While we don’t anticipate any major adjustments to start times before the tournament, this is always a possibility, depending on the number and type of withdrawals we receive. For example, if a player withdraws from a bracket of 4, leaving just 3 teams in the bracket, we then have to combine the bracket with another, which may affect start times for both brackets. If a significant change to the schedule becomes necessary (start time moved from early morning to late afternoon), we will give you a heads up via email. It is YOUR responsibility to re-check start times the night before you are scheduled to play.
Welcome to the 2023 USA Pickleball Great Lakes Diamond Regional! This tournament will be held at Sawyer Point Park in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 27 - July 30. The park is situated on the banks of the Ohio River and includes 24 newly renovated outdoor courts as well as miles of trails and parks, including Smale Riverfront Park, ranked the #2 riverwalk in the nation per USA Today readers. Enjoy free outdoor concerts in the park on Friday and Saturday night. Craft breweries and trendy gastropubs in Over-the-Rhine. The best zoo in the country (also per USA Today readers). The Newport Aquarium, Findlay Market, Kings Island Amusement Park, Cincinnati Music Hall, Krohn Conservatory, and so much more!
This tournament is a qualifier for the national Diamond Amateur Championship, which will be held at Pictona at Holly Hill (Florida) in December. Gold and silver medalists in all brackets will earn Diamond Passports (early registration) to the Diamond Amateur Championship; all other players qualify for open registration. NEW THIS YEAR: All players registered in 70+, 75+, or 80+ events will automatically receive Diamond Passports (early registration) to the Diamond Amateur Championship, regardless of finish.
Format will be round robin followed by a medal playoff. We will use the Franklin X-40 ball.
Questions? Contact Dawn Horan at glrhoran@gmail.com / 260-273-0855.
Additional Information
REGISTRATION
April 10: Open registration begins for all players at 1:00 PM
June 15: Last day to withdraw with a refund
June 30: Registration closes
A current USA Pickleball membership is required to register (must be valid through 7/31/23).
Registration fee is $115, and includes up to 3 events (one gender doubles, one mixed doubles, one singles). Player UTPR rating as of 4/1/23 will be used. Please note that the system will automatically add a $5 processing fee per event to your registration (maximum of $10). This fee is nonrefundable.
The system will automatically move you to the waitlist 3 days after registration if your partner has not registered / paid within this time frame. Get your partners lined up today!
There is a limit on the number of teams we can accommodate per day, so it is possible that registration for specific brackets or days may close before June 30. Do not wait to register.
Tentative start times will not be announced until July, two weeks prior to the tournament.
DATES OF PLAY
July 27 Senior Men’s Doubles / Senior Women’s Doubles (50+)
July 28 Men’s Doubles (under 50) / Women’s Singles (all ages)
July 29 Mixed Doubles (all ages)
July 30 Women’s Doubles (under 50) / Men’s Singles (all ages)
FORMAT
Brackets will be divided into standard USA Pickleball age levels as well as skill levels 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0. We will use the new age divisions of 30-39 and 40-49 in this tournament.
Format will be round robin followed by a medal playoff.
Brackets with less than 4 teams will be combined with another bracket. Brackets with 4-9 teams will play a single round robin, with the top 4 teams advancing to the playoff round. Brackets with 10 teams or more will be broken into pools, with the top 2 teams from each pool advancing to the playoff round.
If brackets are combined:
1) Brackets for ages 12-64 will be combined by SKILL level, per USAP guidelines
2) Brackets for ages 65 and over will be combined by AGE level, per USAP guidelines
3) Medalists will be acknowledged in the combined bracket and awarded in original brackets
4) Diamond Passports will be awarded to the top two teams in each original, uncombined bracket
Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust brackets and format as needed.
The Franklin X-40 ball will be used.
WAITLIST
Teams on the waitlist will be moved into an event when both players have registered and paid tournament fees, provided space is still available.
REMINDER: Your partner must register and pay within 3 days of your registration or the system will automatically move you to the waitlist.
REGISTRATION CHANGES
Before June 30, you may edit your own registration to change your age or skill level, provided events are not full and there is space available in the new bracket.
No changes to skill / age level will be permitted after June 30.
PARTNER CHANGES
If your partner withdraws BEFORE June 15, you will have 14 days to find a replacement partner before you are moved to the waitlist. You and your new partner may move to a different bracket (skill or age level), provided space is available in that bracket.
If your partner withdraws between June 15 and June 30, you will have 5 days to find a replacement partner before you are moved to the waitlist. You and your new partner may move to a different bracket (skill or age level), provided space is available in that bracket.
If your partner withdraws AFTER June 30, you will have 3 days to find a new partner before you are moved to the waitlist. Your new partner must be able to play in the skill / age level for which you are already registered. You may choose a replacement partner who has not yet registered for the tournament, provided this person has a USA Pickleball membership valid through July 31 and a Pickleball Brackets account.
Please notify Marilyn Holladay at glrholladay@gmail.com of all partner changes.
PARKING AND VENUE INFORMATION
Please note that the large parking area that is closest to the venue is a PAID lot owned by the city of Cincinnati. The parking fee is $5 per entry into the lot. This fee cannot be waived. There is free street parking along Pete Rose Way / Riverside Drive and at International Friendship Park (1135 Riverside Drive). If you plan to park in Sawyer Point’s paid lot, we encourage you to carpool.
There are indoor restrooms and water fountains at the venue. Plenty of shade trees line the courts, but you are welcome to bring tents to set up in the park. We will have vendors and food trucks and beer tents and pickle sampling. There are public grills near the venue (which may or may not be in use by other people). Sawyer Point has miles of walking and bike trails, gardens, and playgrounds along the river. There will be free concerts adjacent to the courts on Friday and Saturday night. Dogs are permitted if on a leash.
No outside alcohol is permitted in Cincinnati parks.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY
Please note that the system will automatically add a $5 processing fee per event to your registration (maximum of $10). This fee is nonrefundable.
Players who cancel before June 15 will receive a full refund, less a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after June 15.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
This is an outdoor event. If weather or any other unforeseen circumstance occurs, we will make every effort to play all scheduled matches outdoors. We reserve the right to modify play formats as necessary if this occurs.
If brackets are mid-play when a weather issue arises, the tournament leadership team will determine appropriate steps at that time, which may include delaying play, moving play indoors (if available), or determining event medalists based on matches already played. We hope to have a limited number of indoor courts available in case of sustained inclement weather.
Refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather.
HOTEL PARTNERS
Springhill Suites / Cincinnati Midtown
1.5 miles from venue
$179 per night + tax / Must book by July 13
All suites / Indoor pool / In-house bar / Free breakfast / Onsite parking ($10.00 per day)
Fairfield Inn & Suites / Newport on the River
1.8 miles from venue
$179 per night + tax ($10 to upgrade to river view) / Must book by July 13
Free parking / Free hot breakfast
Sonesta ES Suites / Blue Ash
18.5 miles from venue
$119 per night + tax / Must book by July 10
Outdoor pool / Fire pit / Free breakfast
OTHER LODGING OPTIONS
There are many hotels and vacation rentals available in the Cincinnati area. Locations closest to the venue on the Ohio side of the river include downtown Cincinnati, Mount Adams, Over-the-Rhine, and Midtown. On the Kentucky side, Covington and Newport are in close proximity. Costs will be higher in these areas, but they are very convenient to the courts. Please note that many hotels and rentals in downtown locations charge for parking. Be sure to ask if parking is available / included in the price.
There are additional lodging options within 20 minutes of Sawyer Point Park, including less expensive alternatives. Anything along the I-71 corridor from Eden Park to Blue Ash will provide an easy drive to the venue. Several cities in Kentucky would also be good options. For your convenience, we have provided suggested locations and their approximate distance from the venue below.
Cincinnati
Downtown (1 mile)
Mt. Adams (1 mile)
Cincinnati Midtown / Rookwood (2 miles)
Over-the-Rhine (2 miles)
North Cincinnati / I-71 corridor
Hyde Park (6 miles)
Norwood (8 miles)
Red Bank Road (10 miles)
Kenwood (12 miles)
Blue Ash (15 miles)
Kentucky
Newport (1.5 miles)
Covington (2.5 miles)
Fort Mitchell (7 miles)
Wilder (7 miles)
Florence (12 miles)
Erlanger / Cincinnati airport (12 miles)
QUESTIONS?
Registration: Marilyn Holladay / glrholladay@gmail.com
Tournament: Dawn Horan / glrhoran@gmail.com / 260-273-0855
Refund Policy
Please note that the system will automatically add a $5 processing fee per event to your registration (maximum of $10). This fee is nonrefundable.
Players who cancel before June 15 will receive a full refund, less a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after June 15.
Weather
5:46 am: There will a delay in start of play of at least 2 hours. Next weather update will be at 8 am. Format will be adjusted.
Venue Information
Sawyer Point Pickleball & Tennis Courts,815 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati Ohio, 45202
Surface Type: Pickleball Hardcourt Surface
Play Area Type: Outdoor Non-Covered
Net Type: Permanent & Portable
Ball Used: Franklin X-40
Number of Courts: 24
Parking: No Fee
Parking Options:
- Pete Rose Way / Riverside Drive - Free On-Street Parking
- Sawyer Point Park Parking Lot - 799 E Pete Rose Way - $5 daily
- International Friendship Park - 1135 Riverside Drive - free
- Montgomery Inn Boathouse - Mornings ONLY, no charge
Please note that the large parking area that is closest to the venue is a PAID lot owned by the city of Cincinnati. The parking fee is $5 per entry into the lot. This fee cannot be waived. There is free street parking along Pete Rose Way / Riverside Drive and at International Friendship Park (1135 Riverside Drive). If you plan to park in Sawyer Point’s paid lot, we encourage you to carpool.
Details
Officiated Type:Unique Per Event
Max Events per Registration:3
Cost Includes:3 Events
Guaranteed Games per Event:3
Allow Pets:Yes
Allow Food:Yes
Allow Grill:No
Allow Dish to Pass:Yes