Eau Claire and Lake Hallie Selected to Host PPA Challenger Series Pickleball Event

Eau Claire, Wis. - Visit Eau Claire and Go Chippewa County are thrilled to announce that Eau Claire and Village of Lake Hallie have been selected to host the Wisconsin PPA Challenger, a new tournament event in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger Series, taking place July 24–27, 2025, at Lake Hallie Pickleball at Gower Park and Northstar Middle School Eau Claire. Following a successful joint bid, these Wisconsin communities will welcome pickleball athletes and fans to the region for this exciting event.

“We are thrilled to bring a PPA Challenger Series event to the Chippewa Valley,” said Kenzi Havlicek, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region and the energy that makes this area so special. We’re excited to see top-level pickleball talent come to our backyard and for our local businesses and residents to be part of the action. We can’t wait to roll out the welcome mat for players and fans alike and make this a memorable experience for everyone involved!”

The tournament will be held July 24 - 27, 2025, at Lake Hallie Pickleball at Gower Park and North Star Middle School. In collaboration with the Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club, Visit Eau Claire and Go Chippewa County will work together to assist with organizing and executing the event. There will be a $10,000 prize purse for the event provided by the PPA. Additionally, a Senior and Master Pro class for both men's/women's doubles will be included in this Challenger Series event: the only tournament in 2025 that will include this class of players.

"Pickleball players are drawn to communities that offer both exceptional facilities and high-caliber competition, making the PPA Challenger Series and Pro-Seniors’ tournament a perfect match for Lake Hallie Pickleball at Gower Park,” said Sue Leonard, Go Chippewa County Tourism Director. “Drawing players and fans from across the country, this event is expected to bring a significant boost to the local economy, with visitors supporting area businesses like hotels, restaurants, shops, and gas stations. An opportunity to showcase Chippewa County’s unique attractions to thousands of new visitors.”

Amateur registration is OPEN TO ALL. We encourage everyone interested in playing in the Wisconsin PPA Challenger to register as soon as it becomes open. Ticketing for the PPA Tour Challenger Series will be powered by TIXR. All pro and amateur players will receive a grounds pass with their fee to participate in the event. There will also be $15 grounds pass tickets for sale to friends, family, and fans.

“We’ve been excited to create more grassroots opportunities for amateur players, as well as a structured pathway to the Carvana PPA Tour for aspiring professionals, and we have done just that with the Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder & CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “This new tour will not only elevate the level of play but also inspire and motivate amateurs to reach new heights in their pickleball journey while bringing the PPA Tour’s brand of electric pickleball action to new levels of intensity.”

Championship Court action from the Wisconsin PPA Challenger will be streamed LIVE on the NEW Tennis Channel app.

About Visit Eau Claire: Visit Eau Claire is a community asset dedicated to creatively marketing, effectively managing, endlessly motivating, and continuously building a dynamic tourism economy of business, sports, and leisure travelers. We amplify the image of our region, partners, and businesses by consistently developing the skills, knowledge, and friendships of all those we work for.

About Go Chippewa County: Chippewa County offers a tapestry of unique experiences and a rich historical story to be discovered. As a four-season destination, Chippewa County has something for almost every visitor. The County is home to nationally acclaimed music festivals, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, and other festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Local charm and natural beauty can be witnessed in our local culture, unique recreational amenities and unique area attractions. We are also home to national leading brands like Leinenkugel’s, Mason Shoe, Chippewa Springs Water and global technology leader Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

About Carvana PPA Tour:

Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball’s top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world’s best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and “play where the pros play,” the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.