Some of the best pickleball players in the United States will take the court for the inaugural North Carolina Cup this week at Cary Tennis Park, an event sponsored by Fanatics Sportsbook.
Nearly 800 competitors are in Cary for the event, including pros and amateurs.
Fanatics Sportsbook NC is one of the sports betting operators available for North Carolina sports betting, which launched on March 11. It’s now the title sponsor for the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour North Carolina Cup, one of the premier events on the tour, and new to the sport in 2024.
According to the PPA, pickleball is the fastest-growing participation sport in the United States. Many Americans of all ages have taken to the game that has some of the elements of tennis, but does not require as much running, and is an excellent team game.
North Carolina Cup and the United Pickleball State Championship Series
The event has two divisions: one for professionals, and one for amateurs. The pro event has attracted several top, highly-ranked pickleball players from across the country.
Medals will be presented to competitors in singles, doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
As of April 2, 799 players had registered for the amateur competition at the North Carolina Cup.
Tickets can be purchased at the PPA website. In the Pro Division, tickets for the Round of 32 on Wednesday and the Round of 16 on Thursday (April 4) start at $25. The quarterfinals begin Friday (April 5), the semifinals will be played on Saturday (April 6), and the finals are scheduled for Sunday (April 7). Weeklong ground passes start at $80. Courtside passes for the week are available for $160, or VIP courtsides for $600.
There’s also a Pro-Am Celebrity event, on Saturday, April 6. Fans will be able to watch Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour, former professional female tennis player Genie Bouchard, former UNC star and NBA player Tyler Hansbrough, former pro tennis player and current pickleball pro Jack Sock, NCAA quarterback Cam Ward, and former NHL star Justin Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions About the North Carolina Cup
Can you enter the North Carolina Cup pickleball tournament as an amateur or professional?
Spots in the Pro Division have closed. But, amateurs can still register on the event website, where they can enter alone or with a partner.
Can you bet on Pickleball in NC?
At this time, pickleball is not an approved sport for wagering in North Carolina.
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