Clinics

Just yesterday, Joey Farias won the bronze medal in Men's Pro Singles.  Why does this matter to you, the players in Land of the Sky?  Because Joey is coming to our tournament!  While we are delighted to have Joey here as a player, the opportunity for players to learn from him is even better.  

Joey will have 2 clinics accommodating a total of only 16 players.  The first clinic will be Friday, May 17 at 10 am and the second will be later the same day at 1 pm.  Both will last 90 minutes and will have 8 players on 2 courts.  The cost of the clinic is $50 per player.  Please contact David Kelly at kellyadavid8888@gmail.com for more information and to register for the clinic.

Joey is one of the best pickleball players in world, winning medals in the US Open and other big tournaments.  He came to pickleball when injuries ended his tennis career.  He is currently the Tucson Country Club's Director of Pickleball and travels the country to play in tournaments and give clinics.  Teaching has become one of his passions.  After a clinic, Joey was quoted as saying “My favorite part was the coaching side.  Seeing everybody's face light up whenever I answer something they've been struggling with was a great feeling.”  

We're happy to have Joey in Asheville.  Be sure to take advantage of his presence.

Friday Night Social

Pickleball will always be the focus of our tournaments.  But we know the appeal of pickleball goes beyond the game.  One of our loves as players is the social interaction with those who share our passion for the game.  We believe that every tournament should provide an opportunity for players to mingle with friends both old and new.  In 2018, we wanted to give everyone a taste of the mountains - so we had a party in a barn.  This year we're taking advantage of another famous Asheville tradition - breweries.  Specifically, Sierra Nevada's brewery.

Sierra Nevada built a brand new modern brewery near Asheville in 2015.  While a great brewery, its attraction to many lies in its architecture and food.  Most importantly for us are its great areas for meeting with friends - the Back Porch and the High Gravity Venue.

The Back Porch

High Gravity Venue

But the food is also fantastic.  The restaurant serves "Southern-inspired small plates".  Their menu is available on the website.

Taproom Dining

This social event is completely informal.  We have no reservations and plan to meet in the upstairs Gravity Room.  Dining in the Taproom is available as you choose.  You will need to get on the dining room waiting list when you have a group assembled.  Food and drinks are each individual's responsibility.

This is a great opportunity to get together after or before your first day of play.  Its an awesome facility that shouldn't be missed - even if you don't like beer.

10 Reasons to Play in the Land of the Sky

Sponsors

We are announcing - with gratitude - three sponsors of the Land of the Sky 2019 tournament.

First, Selkirk Sport has become a sponsor for the second consecutive year.  Selkirk is a leading paddle manufacturer and also sells accessories like clothing.  Their sponsorship will help some players garner nice stuff.

Second, Pickleball Central is a first-time sponsor.  They are the biggest outlet for pickleball equipment around.  We are glad to have them on board.

Third, Onix is also a sponsor for the second time.  We will be using their balls for matches excluding 4.5 and 5.0 skill levels.

We appreciate our sponsors and ask that players support them.

Asheville Racquet Club

Asheville Racquet Club is the site of the Land of the Sky Pickleball Tournament 2019.  This is a new location and we are excited to be there.  ARC is a full-service club with some of the highlights shown below.

ARC has 6 full-size indoor tennis courts.  The surface is asphalt with finish coatings enabling great play with outdoor balls.

There is informal dining (we will have food discounts for players) and gathering areas both inside and outside for eating and socializing.

There is also an upper-level viewing area.

ARC should be a great site for the tournament.

Our Third Hotel Discount

Hampton Inn has agreed to offer discounts for tournament players.  This discount can be found at this link or call the hotel at 828-575-9593.  Mention Land of the Sky Pickleball.  This is a new hotel, built in the last year.

The hotel provided the following:

Another Hotel Discount

Holiday Inn Express has agreed to offer discounts for tournament players.  This discount can be found at this link or call the hotel at 828-665-6519.  Hit the extension for the front desk and mention Land of the Sky Tournament (Pickleball).

The hotel provided the following:

Our hotel finished a ‘major renovation’ last year including all new carpeting, new Sealy deluxe mattresses, new 40” LED TVs, new furniture and fresh paint!  Also, our rooms feature mini refrigerators, microwaves, in room coffee makers, full size ironing boards/irons, workspaces, two phones, free wireless internet, local and 1-800 calls. 

For leisure activities, enjoy our large whirlpool spa, our fitness center with all new equipment, a walking track around the hotel and our seasonal outdoor pool with three water features and adjoining gazebo. 

We are conveniently located off of Interstate 26 and Interstate 40.  The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is just minutes from the Asheville airport, downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate.  

The breakfast area has been extended to accommodate over 40 people comfortably. We offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet with over 30 items on our breakfast bar.  

Rate Offer for 

Friday & Saturday May 17th & 18th for $169 plus tax  per room per night

The Drop Date is Friday April 26th 2019

The 15 rooms will be non smoking queen/queen beds  with a refrigerator & microwave in every room.

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More to come...