2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA Tour & Southern Pickleball

Oct 2 2026 - Oct 4 2026

Level 1

2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA Tour & Southern Pickleball

Oct 2 2026 - Oct 4 2026

Level 1

When

Registration opens

Jun 1 2026

8:00 AM CST

Registration ends

Sep 27 2026

11:55 PM CST

Registration Cost

$ 70.00

per player

Price changes to USD 85.00 on Jul 2nd

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Opelika Pickleball Complex

1001 Sportsplex Pkwy

Opelika, AL, 36801

Tournament Description

2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship Series Presented by Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball is coming back to the Opelika Pickleball Facility in Opelika, Alabama. This is the ONLY qualifying tournament in ALABAMA for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Players do NOT need to be residents of the state in which they compete.

WHICH STATE HAS THE BEST PICKLEBALL PLAYERS IN 2026?

The answer will be decided through the 2026 Powerball Amateur State Championship Series, a nationwide series of State Championships hosted by Southern Pickleball across all 50 states during the 2026 season.

This premier amateur-only series gives players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to compete for state pride, national recognition, and qualification for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Medalists from each state advance to the Champions Division, where the best amateur players in the country compete for pickleball supremacy.

WHY PLAY IN THE 2026 POWERBALL AMATEUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES?

This series offers a unique opportunity to compete on a nationally unified stage while maintaining an inclusive, community-driven environment. Players can showcase their skills, represent their state, and connect with competitors nationwide. The season culminates at the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

CHAMPIONS DIVISION – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION

• Gold Medal – Free Registration*

• Silver Medal – 50% Off Registration*

• Bronze Medal – 25% Off Registration*

*Discount applies to registration only. Event fees and checkout fees are not discounted.

SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL – STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Southern Pickleball hosts State Championships across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, with Arkansas and Texas being added in 2026.

All medalists at Southern Pickleball-hosted State Championships will also receive an invitation to the 2026 Southern Championships held January 8-10, 2027 at Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events in Macon, Georgia.

VISIT AUBURN-OPELIKA

Auburn-Opelika offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, great food, vibrant entertainment, and unforgettable game-day energy — while also setting the trend in Alabama for covered pickleball courts and premier pickleball facilities. From charming downtown shops and local restaurants to outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions, Auburn-Opelika is a destination visitors of all ages can enjoy.

<a href="https://www.aotourism.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM</a>

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SCHEDULE OF PLAY

Friday, October 2 – Women’s Singles | Men’s Singles | Boys Singles | Girls Singles

Saturday, October 3 – Women’s Doubles | Men’s Doubles | Boys Doubles | Girls Doubles

Sunday, October 4 – Mixed Doubles | Junior Mixed Doubles

Play may begin as early as 8:00 AM. Specific start times for each event will be posted and emailed to players within 24–48 hours after the close of registration.

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REGISTRATION FEES

• Registration includes TWO (2) events

• Early Bird: $70 (June 1 through July 1)

• Regular Registration: $85 (July 2 through September 27)

• Late Registration: $95 (Begins September 28)

• Additional 3rd Event: $30

FREE SHIRT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 20TH AT 11:55 PM

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DIVISIONS OFFERED

Men’s Singles | Women’s Singles | Men’s Doubles | Women’s Doubles | Mixed Doubles

SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED)

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0+

AGE GROUPS

Juniors: 10U | 12U | 14U

Adults: 15+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+

Age is determined as of 12/31/2026

TEAM RULE

Teams must compete at the skill level of the higher-rated player (or higher) and in the age group of the younger player.

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MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.

• Tournament management reserves the right to change bracket formats and/or shorten bracket formats at their discretion.

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed.

• If brackets are combined, medals and 2026 World Championships qualification will be awarded based on the original registered division.

RATINGS (DUPR)

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events

• Players with a DUPR rating of NR (No Rating) may still play, but must have a DUPR ID

• If a player’s DUPR rating is NR, the system will use the player’s self-rating from their pickleball.com profile

• Players may play up in skill level, but cannot play down in skill level

• To create a new DUPR ID or check your DUPR rating, <a href="https://www.dupr.com" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO VISIT DUPR.COM</a>

• All matches will be reported to DUPR

• Players are responsible for verifying match scores immediately after each match, before their next match begins

• Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to verify scores promptly

• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate

• After registration closes, all players' DUPR ratings will be updated and reviewed

• Players whose updated DUPR rating with 50% or higher reliability exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket

• Players with a DUPR rating below 50% reliability may appeal to play in a lower division

• Players must initially register in the higher division mandated by their current DUPR rating

• Appeals must be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a> before registration closes

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal

PARTNER POLICY

Players may register WITH A PARTNER or register and select NEEDS A PARTNER

• IF REGISTERING WITH A PARTNER: The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player’s registration. Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist. Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available. Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered and paid.

• IF SELECTING "NEED A PARTNER": Choosing this option does not guarantee the tournament will find you a partner. This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another. It is ultimately the player’s responsibility to find a partner. Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament refund policy deadline to be eligible for any partial refund. Full policy below in Refund Policy Section.

MATCH PLAY

• No referees

• All matches self-monitored

MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE

• Select matches may be livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV

• Players and fans are encouraged to watch at SouthernPickleballTV.com and subscribe for FREE

• <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@southernpickleballtv" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE MATCHES, HIGHLIGHTS & SUBSCRIBE TO SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL TV</a>

Additional Information

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GUIDELINES, RULES & PADDLES

The Southern Pickleball Association adheres to the guidelines set forth in the USA Pickleball Rulebook. All gameplay, officiating, and judgment decisions during our events are based on these rules to ensure consistency and fairness for all players. Southern Pickleball reserves the right to deviate from USA Pickleball rules at the discretion of tournament management.

We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the USA Pickleball Rulebook to understand the standards and expectations that govern our games.

<a href="https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO VISIT USA PICKLEBALL'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>

In addition, the Southern Pickleball Association allows paddles that are on the official UPA-A Amateur and USA Pickleball approved paddle lists. It is the player's responsibility to ensure their paddle is currently approved for amateur tournament play.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to view the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List

<a href="https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/approved-paddles/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to view the UPA-A Amateur Approved Paddle List

Players found to be playing with an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or tournament referee.

Additionally, players discovered to have two or more DUPR accounts may be subject to withdrawal from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament director.

Players with multiple DUPR accounts should contact

<a href="mailto:support@dupr.com">support@dupr.com</a> to have their accounts merged.

Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of the sport.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT

Southern Pickleball is happy to answer questions and assist with registration, scheduling, divisions, or tournament policies. Please send all correspondence to

<a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a>

For the fastest and most accurate service, please include the following information in your message:

• Your full name

• Your partner’s full name (if applicable)

• Age

• Phone number and email address for both players

• The bracket you are currently playing in and/or the bracket you wish to play in

• Providing complete information will help us respond more efficiently

Refund Policy

WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY

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• Cancellation Deadline: SEPTEMBER 16th at 11:55 PM ET

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE

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Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

TOURNAMENT INSURANCE COVERS:

• Weather-related cancellations

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner

Players who purchase Tournament Insurance will receive a 100% refund of registration and event fees if they are unable to compete in at least one event during the tournament.

REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

Venue Details

Opelika Pickleball Complex

1001 Sportsplex Pkwy
Opelika, Alabama, 36801
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Platinum

Tour