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“We’re at that kind of stage, especially with pickleball, where it’s taking off like rapid fire,” said Jodi Cullity. “What’s been important to myself, and my brand, is talking to the community.”
Every time Cullity takes the court, she asks fellow members if they feel welcome at tournaments and oftentimes she said people feel “too intimidated.” So, the purpose of hosting the classic is to help improve players’ confidence whether they are a seasoned veteran or new to the sport.
“I wanted this social tournament to really be social,” Cullity said. “It’s not, you know, ‘I’m beating you, I’m getting this trophy'…it’s ‘let’s have fun. Let’s have some beer. Let’s have some barbecue.’”
The inaugural Pickleball Classic, which kicked off on Friday morning, June 23, is powered by Cullity’s company called ELEVEN-0.
A parking lot was transformed to include eight professional pickleball courts where players could participate in a free introduction clinic, social play, or competitive rounds.
The space also features a beer garden sponsored by Wormtown Brewery, food from Axel & Byrne and Achilito’s, live music, axe-throwing, and giveaways from the event’s official apparel sponsor Reebok. Cullity, who grew up in neighboring Wrentham, wanted to host the classic at Patriot Place given the fact there are few pickleball courts in the Northeast.
“Pickleball needs to be here,” she said. “Everyone from age 6 to 96, let’s just get them together in a sport that’s the fastest-growing sport in America.”
Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place Brian Earley has also wanted to host a pickleball event because of its growing popularity. He said the classic is a perfect way of introducing new “fans” to Patriot Place while bringing the local community together.
“What we like to see is new people coming to enjoy Patriot Place so if we start something like pickleball, that’s a community that maybe we haven’t tapped yet,” Earley said.
“That’s really one of our goals is to introduce people who may not have come to Patriot Place before but they’re here for something that they’re very passionate about," he continued.
Boston Police Officers Jenna and Liam brought their young daughters Ryley and Shealyn to the classic. The couple said pickleball is a perfect opportunity to have family time amidst their often-chaotic lives.
“It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s a great workout. It tires the kids out,” Jenna said. “It’s just a good activity to do together.”
“It’s something that … doesn’t require a lot of planning or expensive equipment or preparation or anything,” Liam added. “So, it’s kind of a nice thing to be able to just get out there.”
The classic will continue throughout the weekend with leveled play for mixed doubles on Saturday and men’s and women’s doubles on Sunday.
Players who still want to register or see a full schedule can visit ELEVEN-0’s website.
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