Phoenix – September 15, 2026 -- Pickleball fans in the Valley can join professional players on the court this month as the Phoenix Flames host two community events tied to the Carvana PPA Tour's Veolia Arizona Open, running Sept. 13-20 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa.
Two events let amateurs mix with pros before the pro tour arrives
The Phoenix Flames, the Valley's Major League Pickleball (MLP) team owned by Jeff and Chrissy Tsao, will hold a Pickleball Party on Sept. 13 at Center Court Scottsdale Shea and a Beat the Pro Ladder on Sept. 14 at Center Court Gilbert. Both events are organized in partnership with Center Court.
The Pickleball Party runs three hours with open play and prizes
The Sept. 13 party runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers, with a T-shirt, hat, and food included. Attendees can join open play, Beat the Pro challenges, a player meet-and-greet with photos and autographs, an exhibition match, a gear raffle, and a Q&A session with Flames players. Online pre-registration is required due to limited space.
The Beat the Pro Ladder pits 15 teams against Flames pros
On Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 30 players will form 15 teams for 90 minutes of ladder-format match play, with winning teams moving up and facing Flames pros as they climb. Entry costs $50 per player for members and $65 for nonmembers, and players must register with a partner in advance.
Jeff Tsao says the week is meant to connect fans to the pro game
"With the PPA Tour coming to Mesa, our community members have an incredible opportunity to watch the sport at its highest level and then step onto the court themselves,