Why Compete in a Golden Ticket Event?
Location: Pouncey Tract - Glen Allen VA (Short Pump)
Number of courts - 24 dedicated pickleball courts
Schedule: Friday - Singles, Saturday - Gender Doubles, Sunday - Mixed Doubles
USAPA rules apply to play as well as paddles
Sanctioning - Full USAP Sanctioning
Referees - All medal matches and as many courts as possible.
Ball - JOOLA HC-40
Age Divisions - 7-29+, 30-39, 40-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Skill Divisions - 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, Open (money-ball)
(based upon dupr the week before the event)
Medals awarded to the top 3 teams in each bracket
Some brackets will be merged depending upon registration level
Registration includes up to 3 events:
Early registration until February 1, 2026 - $40
Regular registration until March 31, 2026 - $50
Late registration until May 8, 2026 - $60
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From the USAPA
The Path to Nationals!
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Golden Ticket Tournaments provide a path for amateur and junior players to play in the USA Pickleball National Championships, the premier tournament in the sport of pickleball. Whether you’re chasing championship glory, seeking the ultimate competitive challenge, or simply looking for unforgettable moments on the court, Golden Ticket Tournaments are where your Nationals journey begins.
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Golden Ticket Tournaments offer participants an unrivaled player experience including an exclusive gift at USA Pickleball-operated events and the opportunity to compete at some of the best pickleball venues across the country. Only at these tournaments will gold medal winners receive a “Golden Ticket,” granting them priority registration for the USA Pickleball National Championships. Players who compete but do not win gold will still have a pathway to Nationals through the Tiered Point System (TPS).
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Requirements
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All players must have a USA Pickleball membership at the Challenger or Champion level.
Join or renew at: https://usapickleball.org/
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This tournament is sanctioned by USA Pickleball at the MMP level. Referees will be present for all pre-medal and medal matches.
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Rules & Equipment
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All USA Pickleball rules apply. Official Rule Book: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/
Players must ensure their paddle is on the Approved Equipment List:
https://equipment.usapickleball.org/
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Doubles Registration
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Players registering for doubles events have five (5) days for their partner to register for the same event before being moved to the Waitlist. Teams may return to the Main Draw once both players are registered and paid, if space allows. Players are responsible for finding all partners. Agreement to play is between partners
Maximum team counts may be adjusted during registration as needed. Players can change skill level or age group until registration closes. No changes after that time.
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Raffle Prizes: Every registered player gets 2 raffle tickets. You receive another raffle ticket for each match won. Prizes will be drawn on Sunday after the last match is won. Local players can pick up prizes at either Pouncey Tract or Pickleball Virginia Beach. All others will be mailed.
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The registration fee is per player and includes a free tournament t-shirt if registered by April 18th, 2026. Please be sure to indicate your shirt size during the registration process. Late or last-minute registrants will not be offered a t-shirt, so be sure to sign up early!
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There is also a PB/PT non-refundable service fee of $5 per event or a maximum of $10 when registering for 2 or more events.
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For doubles events, priority will be given to teams that have both partners registered. Teams with only one partner registered and teams with no designated partner will be waitlisted. To secure your spot in a doubles bracket, please make sure that both you and your partner are registered.
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Prize Money will be awarded to the Top 3 teams/players in each of the Open Division events including the 40 And Above Open Divisions. Payout amounts and distribution TBD.
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Brackets will be Double Elimination. Double Elimination bracket matches will be best 2/3 games to 11 win by 2 in the Winners' Bracket and 1 game to 15 win by 2 in the Consolation Bracket. Teams/players in the Consolation Bracket will have a chance to advance back into the medal rounds. Gold Medal matches will be best 2/3 games to 11 win by 2 with a Tiebreaker match, if necessary, being 1 game to 15 win by 2. Bronze Medal matches will be 1 game to 15 win by 2. Should any brackets fall below 5 teams, we will offer round robin format.
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Refund policy: There are no refunds, however, should you need to withdraw, you will receive a full credit to a future tournament that we run. Your withdraw email is your record for a credit.