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Collier TDC recommends long-term US Open Pickleball Championship contract

Author: Aisling Swift, Gulfshore Business
Published: Updated:
Credit: Getty Images

Collier County’s Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended the county spend $2.09 million in tourist-development tax funds to extend a sponsorship agreement and build six more covered U.S. Pickleball Open Championships courts. 

The TDC on Aug. 20 recommended spending $1.05 million over seven years to extend Spirit Promotions’ agreement for the 2026-2032 championships and up to $1 million for a new sound system at East Naples Community Park and six championship courts covered by a waterproof canopy that also will house the U.S. Open Pickleball Academy. Spirit Promotions will match the $1 million capital improvements payment. 

The vote includes spending up to $40,000 for an infrastructure project study, which is required by the state to show a tourism benefit. 

“The existing canopy is not rainproof, but it does provide shade,” Mike Dee, co-owner and manager of Spirit Promotions, told the TDC. “It is problematic from a television perspective. Two years ago, we had our live TV time rained out during the event, so the waterproof canopy … will give us certainty.” 

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