The Minto US OPEN Pickleball Tournament is headed to Collier County

The sports is known for its sound. A sound you’ll hear lots of the next week.

That is… If you’re at the 2019 Minto U.S. OPEN Pickleball Tournament at the East Naples Community Park. It’s the fourth year the event will be held at the park and thousands are signed up.

Since its inaugural event in 2016, tournament attendance has more than doubled, which called for more courts.

Tournament co-founder Chris Evon attributes its success to its appeal to all ages and the atmosphere, “This tournament is just kind of indicative of the whole pickleball community the sport is growing like crazy and this now is become the bucket list event for people and pickleball this is where they want to come.”

Some say it’s more than a sport and a hobby. Mike Meehan lives near the park, and after being a spectator has decided to be a part of the pickleball community.

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation with nearly three million players — an increase of 12 percent in the last year.

For more information on the event visit usopenpickleballchampionship.com.