YORK, PA – Explore York & York County are set to welcome more than 2000 participants and spectators to the local area this weekend for two additional sporting events brought to York County in collaboration with the White Rose Pickleball Association, Tyrant Wresting, and Sport York. These events will generate an estimated economic impact of more than $550,000.

EVENT #1 – YORK WHITE ROSE OPEN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT 

Explore York will welcome 200+ amateur pickleball players to the Memorial Park Complex in York, PA, for the 2nd White Rose Open Pickleball Tournament, this Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24. Pickleball, played on a smaller version of a tennis court, has become America’s fastest growing sport, with more than 36 million people playing it nationwide. For more information about this tournament including an event schedule, visit pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=c0a17f47-6b52-4696-bd84-a279cc2d0b53.

This regional tournament will be played at Veterans Memorial Park on the outdoor pickleball complex located at 941 Vander Avenue, York PA 17403. The format will be round robin play amongst the following age/skill divisions: 18-39 (3.0 & 3.5), 40-59 (3.0 & 3.5), 60+ (3.0 & 3.5) & 18+ (4.0+). Participants may play down in age and age divisions may be combined at the tournament director's discretion based upon registrations. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 places in each bracket. Men’s and Women’s doubles play Saturday, September 23, at 8 a.m. Mixed Doubles will play on Sunday, September 24, at 8 a.m.

“We’re happy with the growth we’ve seen from year one and look forward to making this an annual event and hosting many other successful pickleball tournaments,” said Laura Wagner, President of Explore York. Ken Swalgin, President of the White Rose Pickleball Association (WRPA), said, “WRPA offers free clinics and multiple opportunities for fun and competitive play. We have a robust roster of members and encourage anyone to consider trying it. You’ll meet other pickleball aficionados and become part of a community.”

WRPA would like to thank their generous sponsors.

  • GOLD: Uller’s Outdoor, OSS Health, Fulton Financial Corporation, and Explore York
  • SILVER: UPMC, Bare Law Firm LLC, Gamma Sports, Williams Service Co., Counsel Trust Company, Yarrish Design, Bowser Dentistry, The Gregg Clymer Team, Modern Tymes, CGA Law Firm, Flying Feet, & Pro Forma Forsythe Marketing

Interested in learning more about pickleball? Consider a membership. Members of the WRPA enjoy access to eight outdoor courts with windscreens and reserved play sessions each week on one of the best facilities in Central PA. Members receive a welcoming atmosphere for varying levels of play, free clinics, tournaments, and leagues based on skill level and age, invitations to social events, and the opportunity to play in other regional tournaments. For more information, visit YorkPickleball.org.

EVENT #2 – TYRANT WRESTLING NATIONALS

Explore York & Sport York are excited to welcome back the Tyrant Nationals Wrestling Tournament to the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave., this Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24. Elementary, middle, and high school teams will come from multiple states including Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia to compete in York County.

More than $10,000 in NIL (name, image & likeness) deals will be awarded. Live streaming of the event will be available.

The event was funded by a $75,000 grant from the York County Tourism Grant Program. The funds were used to offset facility fees, equipment rentals, marketing, and a hospitality event. For information visit, Tyrantwrestling.com/tyrantnationals.

More information about Explore York Programs:

Explore York’s mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact in York County, PA, through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs. Explore York’s vision is for a York County where tourism is recognized for the value of its economic impact and its role in raising the profile of York County as a sought-after destination. For more information on Explore York County, PA, and the destination, call 1-888-858-9675 or visit YorkPA.org.

Explore York's Sport York program is designed to recruit events and generate additional economic impact in York County. Sport York positions York County as Pennsylvania's Premier Sports Destination, highlighting the area's dynamic facilities and central location on the East Coast. For further information about Sport York, visit YorkPA.org/sports.

The Explore York Tourism Grant Program provides all applicants equal opportunity for funding consideration and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, caste, or creed.