Building the World's Biggest Pickleball Event | Ben Weinberger from the US Open Pickleball

What does it actually take to build the largest pickleball tournament in the world from the ground up?Ashley sits down with Ben from US Open Pickleball and the National Pickleball Center to talk about the journey from acquiring the US Open four years ago to running a 60-court, 60,000-spectator event that treats amateurs like pros.They cover what most club operators miss when it comes to member retention, why community beats courts every single time, how collegiate and youth pickleball is quietly reshaping the sport, and what the wave of investment in pickleball in 2026 actually means for the future of recreational play.Whether you run a 4-court club or a 40-court facility, there's something in this conversation for you.Topics covered:Building the amateur experience from day oneWhat the National Pickleball Center does differentlyKeeping members engaged beyond open playThe rise of collegiate and high school pickleballWhere the sport is headed in the next 2 to 3 years. Visit their website here https://www.usopenpickleball.com/event-guide/schedule