KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Orlando Squeeze will be the host team for Major League Pickleball’s final regular season tournament this weekend, happening at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Squeeze, currently in 14th place, need a few wins to get into the playoffs, and they’re hoping for some magic in front of a good crowd.
“It’s incredible, especially being the home team,” said Squeeze player Jack Sock about playing pickleball at Disney. “I think we will have amazing crowds and a lot of support this weekend. It’s going to be really fun; the energy will be great, and I’m excited to play pickleball here at Disney.”
The professional pickleball players got a chance to play with Minnie Mouse and Goofy, a moment New Jersey 5s player Anna Leigh Waters said she didn’t see coming.
“I would have been very surprised if you told me I’d be playing pickleball with Minnie Mouse,” she said. “Most surprising partner for sure.”
The tournament will run Thursday through Saturday with championship games on Sunday. Tickets can be found on the main website to see the pros up close.
Orlando Squeeze player Yates Johnson encourages people to come out and see the difference on the professional level.
“Some people are like, ‘Bro, there’s pro pickleball? That’s crazy,’” he said. “But once people see it in person, they’re pretty amazed at how fast it is because we are so close to each other. It’s kind of unlike anything in sports.”