Dink Pickleball announces Owensboro, KY and Centre Court will play host to the KY-ANA Pickleball Series Tournament in April 2019.
KY-ANA is a bi-state tournament held in Indiana and Kentucky alternating years. The tournament is anticipated to draw more than 200 players from 20 states and Canada. Mickey Collins of Dink Pickleball stated they chose Owensboro and the Centre Court facility to host the tournament because, “The Merchant’s passionate personality, top-notch facility and sweet hometown feel the people of Owensboro provide. Owensboro is a classy community and its’ citizens’ are great host!”
Dink Pickleball is a tournament and event management company that manages pickleball events throughout the US. Dink stated they look forward to working with Beth Merchant, Altaf Merchant and the Centre Court staff for this premier tournament.
With more than 200 players and a three day event, the local economy will receive a boast with an economic impact estimated by the Kentucky Department of Tourism of more than $55,000.
Beth Merchant, Director of Pickleball for Centre Court says, “Altaf and I are always traveling to high caliber tournaments that draw top level players, and our dream has been to land one in our own backyard. We are excited about hosting this tournament! Centre Court is a high class facility and we are proud to show it off! Mickey Collins and his company, Dink Pickleball run a smooth operation, and you will finish the tournament win or lose feeling satisfied and excited to sign up for the next event!”
“Owensboro has given my family so much, and we are happy to give back to the City for all its’ support in building Centre Court, and the City’s continued support. As a player, the minute I found out I began calling players from all over the country and started inviting them to our city, players who have won gold medals at nationals and the US Open,” shared Altaf Merchant.
For more information on the event or to register contact Beth Merchant at [email protected] or contact Centre Court at 270-240-4213.
Centre Court hosts pickleball play weekly offering clinics that include skill drills for beginners to advanced levels, leagues and match play. No matter your skill level, the Centre Court team can get you started. Paddles are available for use. Interested, email [email protected] to be added to the contact list and receive weekly emails sharing what will be offered that week.
The Centre Court team would like to thank Onix for supporting the growth of the game here in Owensboro, providing the facility with nets, balls and paddles! Onix was founded in 2005 with the mission of delivering top-quality equipment with advanced technologies and features that raise the bar of everyone on the court. Onix is considered the best in pickleball and just happens to be our neighbor to the north with their base of operatiosn in in Evansville, Indiana.
“Enough cannot be said about Centre Court, Altaf and Beth Merchant and the Owensboro Daviess-County Tennis Association! This is an amazing example of how a successful Public-Private Partnership works! How allowing our citizens to take a hands on role in promoting their passions and providing programming which grows a sport and offers new opportunities to our citizens, in a more cost efficient manner to taxpayers!” stated Amanda Rogers, Director of Parks & Recreation.
Beth and Altaf Merchant are local professional Pickleball players who represent Onix. Beth is the acting Director of Pickleball for Centre Court and Altaf is the Vice-President of the Owensboro- Daviess County Tennis Association.
