THE BEER CITY OPEN RETURNS TO GRAND RAPIDS JULY 20 THROUGH JULY 24
On the heels of pickleball’s exploding popularity in the U.S., the tournament is back for its fourth year with increased prize money and more courts
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – April 4th, 2022 – The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club announces the return of the Grand Rapids Beer City Open Pickleball Championships, which will be held July 20 through July 24, 2022 at Belknap Park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
“The West Michigan Sports Commission is excited to see the growth of the Beer City Open as a prominent pickleball tour stop on the Association of Pickleball Professionals Tour,” says Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission. “This event has sold out every year and now with increased local support and greater efforts to increase Belknap Park into a top pickleball facility in the Midwest, this event will continue to be one that pros and amateurs alike will look forward to. Not only will the competitors and spectators be treated to the finest craft beer in the country here in ‘Beer City, USA,’ but the region will benefit from the nearly $1 million in visitor spending anticipated from this growing and impactful event.”
The 2022 Beer City Open will be the largest iteration yet since its founding in 2018, with more courts and new stadium seating thanks to an investment by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club and city of Grand Rapids. With the support of AHC Hospitality, the tournament’s title sponsor, and other key sponsors including PepsiCo Beverages North America, Perrin Brewing, McClure’s Pickles, Elders Helpers, Priority Health and Paddletek, the prize money has reached an all-time high of $90,000.
“Pickleball athletes of all levels flock to the Beer City Open because of the community support and the ‘West Michigan VIP treatment’ we have become accustomed to,” says Andrea Remynse Koop, Beer City Open tournament director and renowned professional pickleball player. “This year, we expect to welcome over 750 athletes from 34 states and three countries.”
Participants and spectators are invited to stay at AHC Hospitality’s properties located in downtown Grand Rapids’ Hotel District, including the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton; JW Marriott Grand Rapids; Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown; Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown; AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids and the Morton Hotel. Special rates at the Amway Grand Plaza and Courtyard by Marriott start at $149. Admission to the Beer City Open is free for spectators.
“AHC Hospitality is honored to be the title sponsor of this year’s Beer City Open,” says Chad LeRoux, chief marketing officer of AHC Hospitality. “The opening of the Amway Grand Plaza’s new rooftop pickleball courts is timed perfectly to this tournament and we are excited to be able to provide professionals and amateur athletes a place to practice when in Grand Rapids.”
Registration for the 2022 Beer City Open opens April 12, 2022 for amateurs and professionals aged 11 and above. A USA Pickleball Championship Series Tournament, Beer City Open Gold Medalists will receive a Golden Ticket for the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships in November. For more information, please visit https://www.beercityopen.com/.
Media Contact: ahc@quinn.pr
About Grand Rapids Pickleball Club
The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club was established as a 501(c)(3) Organization in 2012 and has grown to over 850 members in 2021. The GRPC is operated exclusively for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle directly associated with the game of pickleball with equal emphasis on (1) instructing game rules, player strategy, and social/good sportsmanship to all age groups and skill levels; (2) seeking new inside and outside playing venues for its members; and (3) hosting social and competitive Pickleball events at Belknap Park (4) working cooperatively within the community with special interest groups to promote the sport of pickleball to all in the greater Grand Rapids Area. Most of the proceeds from GRPC activities get reinvested back into Belknap Park and the local Community.