The Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch community in beautiful Southwest Florida is excited to announce they will be hosting multiple Esplanade communities for the 1st Annual Paddy Paddles: Battle of the Esplanades Pickleball Tournament on March 17 – 19, 2023!
As we prepare for this weekend-long St. Patrick's Day-themed tournament and farewell party, we are asking Esplanade Members across the nation to complete a short event interest survey. This will help us create a memorable experience for all attendees!
Complete the Interest Survey Below!
The following survey is intended to gauge tournament interest within each community and is not your official registration. Registration for the tournament will open on November 1, 2022 and additional details will be shared by your Lifestyle Manager.
Additional Tournament Details
Where will the tournament be held?
Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch – Sport Courts
4016 Santa Caterina Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34211
When will the tournament take place?
March 17 – 19, 2023. Time to be determined.
Is there an age requirement to play in the tournament?
Yes, all registered tournament players must be at least 18 years or older by the tournament start date, March 17, 2023
How can I register for the tournament?
Registration will open on November 1, 2022. Please continue to look for additional communication from your Resort Lifestyle Manager regarding the event!
What are the registration deadlines?
Registration Opens – November 1, 2022
Registration Cancellation Deadline – January 1, 2023
Registration Closes – February 1, 2023
Player registration fees & cancellation policy.
All players will be required to pay a registration fee. Your Resort Lifestyle Manager will announce the specific event details regarding fees, registration open/ close dates as well as the cancellation deadline in the coming weeks!
What is the skill level for the tournament?
3.5 and under & 4.0 and up
I want to register as a player - what should I bring to the tournament?
Players are asked to bring their paddles, bottled water, sports towel, and shoes appropriate for outdoor play. Don’t forget the tournament will be held outdoors in beautiful Florida, remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and SPF! The Resort team at Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch will provide all tournament pickleball balls.
What brand of Pickleball balls will you use for the tournament?
Franklin X. This is subject to change at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
May I come to the tournament as a spectator and not as a player?
Absolutely! We encourage all Members to enjoy this family-friendly pickleball tournament and events!
Will there be additional seating at the tournament?
Yes, Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch will have comfort stations as well as bleacher seating for the tournament.
I know players competing in the tournament, may I make signs to cheer them on while they play?
Absolutely! We encourage all Members to have fun at the event and to support their friends and family!
Can anyone register for the tournament, whether as a player or spectator?
Participants in the Paddy Paddles Pickleball Tournament must be Members of Esplanade that have closed on their home by the registration deadline. Members that are under contract may request to be placed on the waitlist. Advancement from the waitlist will only happen if a community needs additional players on a team to meet the team requirements, which are as follows:
- Maximum of 3 teams per Esplanade community for a total of 24 players (12) Men and (12) Women
- Each team must be comprised of (4) men and (4) women
- Friends and family members of tournament players, community Members, and prospective homeowners are encouraged to attend the tournament. Mix and mingle with other Esplanade community Members and cheer on your home team from the sidelines!
What will the format and type of tournament be?
Round Robin Format l 30-minute time limit per game
How many courts will be available for tournament play?
14
How many players can compete in the tournament?
Maximum of 224 players for the tournament l 28 teams of 8
How many teams can be registered from a community?
Each Esplanade community will be permitted no more than (3) teams of (8) players on each team. Each team must consist of 4 men and 4 women.
How many players are on a team?
*8 total players
- 4 men
- 2 men’s doubles team total
- 4 women
- 2 women’s doubles team total
Mixed doubles
- 2 teams total
Singles
- 2 men’s / 2 women’s
*The mixed teams and single players will make up the total of the 8 players on any given team
May I register as a single player, or do I need to have a team?
At this time, registration will only be available to teams.
Does my team need a team captain and/or a team name to compete in the tournament?
Yes, all teams should have a team name and team captain.
What will the daily schedule look like?
- Friday: Team arrival, registration, court practice
- Saturday: Tournament 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday: Tournament 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sunday late afternoon: Award Ceremony (immediately following the tournament)
- Sunday evening: Farewell Party Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch Resort Pool 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
What if myself or my team is eliminated, do we have to leave the tournament?
Not at all! If you are eliminated, or if you are a tournament spectator, you are welcome to enjoy the resort amenities Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch has to offer which include: an 18-hole championship Golf Course, full service Salon & Spa, state-of-the-art Fitness Center, Resort Pool, and full-service outdoor Bahama Bar.
Will the tournament be a USAPA promotional tournament, officially USAPA sanctioned or unaffiliated?
This will not be a sanctioned tournament.
Will Esplanade at Azario Lakewood ranch provide food & beverage options for players/ spectators during the tournament?
Yes, in addition to the Bahama Bar at Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, there will be food trucks and concession stands where water and heart-healthy snacks will be available for purchase.
Is there a dress code for the Tournament?
Players: Please wear your best pickleball attire – special awards will be given for “Best Dressed”!
Spectators: Resort casual.
Will there be awards and prizes for Players?
Yes, the Award Ceremony will be on Sunday afternoon following the last tournament game played. And, players – don’t forget about the best-dressed award!
What is the dress code for the Farewell Party?
Wear your best resort casual wear!