Pacific NW Pickleball Tournament in Bend off until next year
BEND, ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Pickleball Club announced Tuesday that, in an abundance of caution surrounding COVID-19, the Pacific Northwest Classic Tournament sponsored by Beaver Coach Sales & Service has been rescheduled for July 28-August 1, 2021.
Pacific Northwest Classic, which was to be held at Bend’s Pine Nursery Park July 29-August 2 of this year, anticipated an influx of thousands of spectators and more than 800 professional and amateur pickleball players from across the country.
The tournament was also part of the APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) National Tour and was the circuit’s only Northwest stop.
However, in light of Governor Kate Brown’s announcement last week that live sporting events such as Pacific Northwest Classic must be suspended until at least the end of September, the club could not move forward as planned and voted instead to postpone until next year.
Participants who registered for the 2020 event will have the option of withdrawing from the tournament and receiving a refund, minus a small PayPal processing fee.
Those who wish to receive a refund are asked to visit the Pickleball Tournaments website at https://www.pickleballtournaments.com/tournamentinfo.pl?tid=3602. Alternatively, players may remain registered and their places will be held in the same events for the 2021 tournament. Those who have paid fees and choose to remain registered will not be assessed any additional fees even if the 2021 tournament cost increases.
In a statement issued by Bend Pickleball Club, the tournament’s co-directors, Christie Gestvang and Kirk Foster, said, “The BPC sincerely appreciates our numerous club members and others who helped with the planning and preparation for the 2020 Pacific Northwest Classic tournament. Our sponsors for the tournament have all been extremely understanding and supportive as we moved through this difficult decision-making process. We are also very excited that they have all agreed to remain on board for 2021.”
For the latest updates about Pacific Northwest Classic 2021, players, spectators, and sponsors are invited to visit https://www.facebook.com/BendPickleballClubOR/ and www.bendpickleballclub.com.
About Bend Pickleball Club
Founded in 2011, Bend Pickleball Club exists to promote a love of the sport and a passion for seeing it grow and thrive in one of the most beautiful and active regions in the country. With a membership of over 850 and growing, the mission of the nonprofit club is to facilitate the growth of pickleball in Central Oregon for the enjoyment, health and social engagement of all players by offering organized recreational and competitive play, ensuring opportunities for the continued development of all players in a collegial and sportsmanlike environment and working to expand facilities as needed. For more information, please visit www.bendpickleballclub.com.
