Ultimate Guide to the Margaritaville USAPA National Pickleball Championships at Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Greater Palm Springs courts in recent years, mirroring its national surge. The U.S. now boasts around 3 million players and approximately 6,000 courts—double the number from 2010.
In the Coachella Valley's nine cities, dedicated clubs thrive, and many municipalities have converted tennis courts for temporary or permanent pickleball use.
This momentum peaked with the announcement that the renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden (IWTG)—home of the annual BNP Paribas Open—would transform 12 tennis courts into 45 pickleball courts for the Margaritaville USAPA National Pickleball Championships, held November 3-11, 2018.
Origins and Rules of Pickleball
Invented in the mid-1960s, pickleball's rise aligns with an aging tennis demographic; about 75% of players are 55 and older.
This hybrid of ping-pong, badminton, and tennis uses a composite paddle and delivers fast-paced rallies.
Played on a badminton-sized court (20x44 feet) with a 34-inch net at center, it features a wiffle-style ball. Serves are underhand and diagonal, with the ball bouncing once per side before volleys. A "non-volley zone" near the net requires bounces before hitting.
Singles or doubles (doubles more common) go to 11 points, win by 2, with points scored only by the serving side. Matches are best-of-three sets, typically lasting under 90 minutes.
Attire is casual—tennis wear for some, relaxed for most—reflecting the sport's social vibe.
Local Pickleball Courts in Greater Palm Springs
Public parks and private clubs offer ample play. For a complete directory, visit the USAPA's "Places2Play" at www.places2play.org.
Public options include:
Indian Wells
Indian Wells Tennis Garden (details below)
La Quinta
Fritz Burns Park
Palm Desert
Cahuilla Hills Park
Desert Sports Center
Palm Desert Community Center
Palm Springs
Desert Highland Unity Center
Demuth Park
Demuth Park Community Center Indoor Gym
Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage Community Park
Margaritaville USAPA National Pickleball Championships (November 3-11, 2018)
Moving from Arizona sites since 2009, this event drew global competitors to Greater Palm Springs. The five-year deal with IWTG and United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) highlighted its prestige.
The Desert Sun reported 2,000-player registration cap filled in one day, with about 2,500 competing across 140 pro and amateur divisions—up from 1,300 the prior year.
IWTG repainted 12 of 28 courts into 45 pickleball surfaces (mostly reverting post-event, well before the 2019 BNP Paribas Open, March 4-17).
The Championship Court seated 3,000, with food, drinks, vendors, and entertainment. General admission was free; Championship Court viewing required tickets—click here for tickets.
Non-competitors could play seasonally at IWTG—learn more here.
