The world's first and world’s best pickleball tour is officially back in Columbus. The city is set to host the 2026 APP Columbus Open presented by The James, as part of the APP Tour. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is teaming up with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, as presenting sponsor of the event, which will take place Oct. 1-4, at Pickle & Chill in Columbus and broadcast nationally.
As we get ready to host the event, here is everything you need to know to get up to speed on all things pickleball.
1. So, why is it called Pickleball?
In the summer of 1965, pickleball was founded by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Within days, Joan Pritchard had come up with the name “pickle ball”—a reference to the thrown-together leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races.
2. Why is the APP Tour coming to Columbus?
Columbus is home to unforgettable places and innovative experiences that make it the vibrant, inclusive and bustling city we all know and love. As the 14th largest city in the U.S., we know what it means to bring big, bold ideas to life. Having hosted the APP Tour for each of the past two years, Columbus is a fan-favorite stop on the tour and Pickle & Chill is ready for its biggest event yet.
3. What is Pickle & Chill?
Pickle & Chill (880 W Henderson Rd), founded in November 2022, is the largest dedicated indoor / outdoor pickleball facility in the Midwest. Complete with nine indoor and ten outdoor courts, a 30,000 square foot plaza and patio with a dedicated event tent, and an indoor bar and mezzanine, Pickle & Chill is flexible for a wide range of events – making it the perfect host for the APP Columbus Open presented by The James.
4. See the world’s best pickleball pros.
If you’ve ever picked up a paddle and fancy yourself as a bit of a hustler on court, come see how it’s done at the very top of the game. The APP Tour is home to the world’s best pickleball players, including No. 1-ranked women’s doubles player Megan Fudge, No. 1-ranked men’s doubles pro Jack Munro, No. 1 men’s singles pro Ronan Camron, and so many more. Pickleball’s biggest stars will be battling it out for gold medals and their share of a $125,000 prize pool at the event. Tickets are available now - don’t miss the action!
5. It’s a nationally televised event.
Live coverage from Columbus begins on Friday, Oct. 2 starting at 12 pm ET, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 4 with coverage on both Championship Court and Chex Mix Players Court. Director of APP Selkirk Collegiate Series Dominic Catalano and APP U.S. National Team head coach Chad Edwards, plus national sports broadcaster Kayla Santiago will be on the call, with all action airing on ESPN Plus and APPTV on YouTube. Following the event, ESPN2 and CBS Sports Network will air the best gold medal matches to their nationwide audiences.
6. Support the Buckeyes and Bobcats.
Prior to the championship festivities on Sunday, Oct. 4, the APP will host a collegiate exhibition showcase between the club pickleball teams of Ohio State and Ohio University. Starting at 9 a.m. ET, the two schools will go head-to-head, with the winners securing ultimate bragging rights. Fans are encouraged to cheer on their favorite schools leading into the pro gold medal matches.
7. The pickleball community is all about FUN.
Last but not least, the event is your chance to be part of a pickleball community that embraces fun. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in sports, complete with nonstop action, elite pros and amateurs from across the nation, giveaways, music, food, and so much more. It will be a fun-filled weekend in Columbus, and we can’t wait to see you there!It will be a fun-filled weekend in Columbus, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Tickets to the APP Columbus Open presented by The James are available now starting at just $25. For more information on the event and other APP tournaments, visit TheAPP.global/Columbus.