testimonials

When I retired from a busy veterinary practice a couple of years ago, I was a little worried about getting bored with day to day life. Covid 19 happened and the reality of that concern came true. Then one day when my wife and I were at the Opelika Sportsplex for a grandson's basketball game, we wandered through the Pickleball Facility. It was like a trip home from college, or a family reunion. The folks there were so welcoming and encouraging to us and they instantly put a borrowed paddle in our hands and escorted us on to a court. We have been "hooked" ever since. We now have 3 generations of good pickleball players in our family! There is just something about getting out of the car in the parking lot

and hearing the unmistakable sound of "dinks" that makes my step a little faster, my grip a little tighter and the smile on my face a little more genuine. Staying healthy is fun, even for this 72 year old ex- Auburn football player. There is just nothing like pickleball...absolutely nothing...except maybe grandkids!

Jere C.

Fall Player Letter to the city of Opelika:

"SWEET HOME ALABAMA!

OPELIKA ALABAMA to more precise.

By a twist of fate, timing, and an injury, I found myself in Opelika Alabama in the

Alabama Senior Olympics Pickleball Tournament.

I have played in 39 tournaments in 10 different States, and numerous venues...

from 1300 entrants to 75 entrants.

NONE have been a better experience than the Opelika tournament.

The venue is not the best I have played at, however, it is 12 covered, open air

courts and We played through torrential rain without missing a beat... Oh, and

they are building 12 more covered, open-air courts with the ability to have

bleachers.

The entire complex at Opelika Sportsplex is amazing. Talking with the Director, I

learned that this is the result of cooperation between a private non-profit group

and the city, and they have built a fabulous facility.

The player experience at this tournament was as good as it could be. They have

many more tournaments coming in the future, and I strongly encourage anyone

that loves Pickleball, Tournaments, and Great people to check out Opelika

Alabama...

This is how things should be in communities, and in Pickleball.

Thank You ALL for such a great experience.

I will be back."

Eric B.