Title
Discuss and provide direction regarding the 2025 Pickleball World Championships.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Economic Development and Tourism Department
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch was the host city for the Pickleball World Championships in 2023 and 2024. The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has selected Farmers Branch for the third consecutive year. The 2025 Pickleball World Championships will be held at Brookhaven Country Club from Friday, October 31, through Sunday, November 9.
The Pickleball World Championships continue to generate a significant economic impact for Farmers Branch. In 2024 alone, the event drew a total attendance of 57,572 and generated $15.7 million in economic activity. This event benefits the City’s local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Beyond the local impact, the event receives national media coverage across multiple platforms, further showcasing the City of Farmers Branch.
Given the impact of this event, staff continue to focus on minimizing disruptions for residents. The Public Works Department will issue the “No Parking Zone” Ordinance for select streets, with affected residents receiving a letter, parking permits, and signage to discourage event attendees from parking in front of their homes. Additionally, as a thank you for welcoming the event, UPA has provided a 20% discount on tickets for residents, which is expected to continue in 2025.
In 2023 and 2024, staff and Council hosted a Pickleball Town Hall prior to the World Championships to share the event details and answer resident questions. Attendance was high in the first year but dropped significantly in the second year. Given that this will be the third year and the decline in attendance in 2024, the Council may want to consider whether a Town Hall is needed for 2025.
Staff will present an Event Support Agreement with UPA for Council review at an upcoming meeting (anticipated in September). As sponsorship benefits will be included in the agreement, staff is requesting Council direction on any specific sponsorship requests related to the 2025 event. Further negotiations with UPA will be conducted based on this direction.
The City will support the UPA with submission of the Events Trust Fund Grant through the Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism. The grant may award up to $696,802, and the final award amount will be based on post-event attendance. The City will provide the required local match of $96,111 from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund.
The City is excited to welcome back the Pickleball World Championships in 2025. Staff will keep Council and residents updated as plans progress.
DISCUSSION:
A. Consider the need for a Resident Pickleball Town Hall in 2025
a. With lower attendance in 2024 and the event now in its third year, Council may want to consider whether a Pickleball Town Hall is needed for 2025.
B. Consider Council priorities for sponsorship benefits in the Event Support Agreement
a. Council priorities for sponsorship benefits will provide direction for negotiations for the 2025 Event Support Agreement. In 2024, the City of Farmers Branch sponsored the Pickleball World Championships and received benefits such as:
i. Room blocks and promotion of Farmers Branch hotels
ii. Recognition and logo placement during the event
iii. Resident discount on tickets
iv. Variety of ticket packages
v. Council participation in interviews, media, and awards
DISTRICT:
District 5
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. 2024 Economic Impact Report
2. Presentation