The Path to Nationals - Register by Dec 1 to get a FREE gift and a shirt!
Golden Ticket Tournaments provide a path for amateur and junior players to play in the USA Pickleball National Championships, the premier tournament in the sport of pickleball. Whether you’re chasing championship glory, seeking the ultimate competitive challenge, or simply looking for unforgettable moments on the court, Golden Ticket Tournaments are where your Nationals journey begins.
Golden Ticket Tournaments offer participants an unrivaled player experience including an exclusive gift at USA Pickleball-operated events and the opportunity to compete at some of the best pickleball venues across the country. Only at these tournaments will gold medal winners receive a “Golden Ticket,” granting them priority registration for the USA Pickleball National Championships. Players who compete but do not win gold will still have a pathway to Nationals through the Tiered Point System (TPS).
Location
Center Court Pickleball – Glendale, Arizona
Check them out: https://www.centercourtpickleball.com/locations/glendale
Requirements
All players must have a USA Pickleball membership at the Challenger or Champion level.
Join or renew at: https://usapickleball.org/
This tournament is sanctioned by USA Pickleball at the MMP level. Referees will be present for all pre-medal and medal matches. In 2025, USA Pickleball successfully refereed all matches at all USA Pickleball-operated Golden Ticket tournaments!
Rules & Equipment
All USA Pickleball rules apply. Official Rule Book: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/
Players must ensure their paddle is on the Approved Equipment List:
https://equipment.usapickleball.org/
Doubles Registration
Players registering for doubles events have five (5) days for their partner to register for the same event before being moved to the Waitlist. Teams may return to the Main Draw once both players are registered and paid, if space allows. Players are responsible for finding all partners. Agreement to play is between partners
Maximum team counts may be adjusted during registration as needed. Players can change skill level or age group until registration closes. No changes after that time.
If a partner becomes injured after registration closes, a replacement may be requested by emailing tournaments@usapickleball.org no later than 4 p.m. the day before the event. Replacement players must:
Have a USA Pickleball membership and a PickleballTournaments.com profile
Meet all skill and age requirements
Receive email confirmation for approval
Schedule
The tournament schedule will be posted approximately one (1) week before the event begins.
