Frequently Asked Questions

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Barnes Tennis Center
4490 West Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA

Competition takes place across 60 courts.

There will not be dedicated practice courts at Nationals. Practice court availability will vary each day based on the competition schedule and the number of courts needed for tournament play.

When courts are available for practice, they will be identified with signage onsite. Because availability is not guaranteed, players looking for additional court time are encouraged to use Pickleheads to find nearby pickleball courts and facilities.

Visit our volunteer page to see what shifts are available: https://usapickleballnationals.com/volunteers/

Barnes Tennis Center is approximately 15–20 minutes from downtown San Diego, depending on traffic.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest airport to Barnes Tennis Center.

Visit our Food & Attractions page for local recommendations during your stay here: https://usapickleballnationals.com/food-and-attractions/

Eligible players may compete based on the tournament qualification process. Junior, Wheelchair, and Pro divisions have separate registration processes.

All players must have played in a qualifying event or the Golden Ticket Tournament to receive TPS points or be eligible. Learn more here: https://usapickleball.org/qualify/

• Priority Rainout Registration: July 27-August 7, 2026
• Priority Registration: August 10–24, 2026
• Tier 2 Registration: September 2–14, 2026
• Junior, Wheelchair & Pro Registration: September 2–14, 2026

September 25th, 2026 - after that you will not be refunded.

You must:

• Have a current USA Pickleball Challenger or Champion membership valid through November 8, 2026.
• Have a DUPR account.
• Create a Pickleball Den account.
• Link your USA Pickleball membership and DUPR account to your Pickleball Den profile.
• Ensure all profile information matches exactly.

• Amateur: $65
• Pro: $130
• Champion Pro: $125
• Masters Pro: $120
• Junior: $25
• Wheelchair: $25

• Standard Entry Fee: $250
• Junior/Wheelchair Entry Fee: $120 (with discount link)

No. Your registration is only complete once you are:

• Accepted into your event (if applicable)
• Paid
• Partnered (for doubles events)

Yes. Golden Ticket winners (gold medalists) receive Priority Registration for the event(s) they qualified in.

Yes

You can register during Tier 2 registration.

• Eligible 70+ athletes must earn 4,500 TPS points through a Golden Ticket or USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament to be considered as qualified.
• Players age 70+ who participated in a Golden Ticket Tournament receive Priority Registration.

Eligible players must have earned at least 4,500 Tournament Player Series (TPS) points and receive an invitation to register.

No. Registration is open during the designated registration period.

Wheelchair athletes must use the personalized registration link provided after contacting NationalsReg@usapickleball.org

Junior athletes must register using the personalized discount link provided after contacting NationalsReg@usapickleball.org.

Tournament staff will work with you according to the published player policies and registration deadlines.

If you have not, create your Pickleball Den profile. During your registration window, email NationalsReg@usapickleball.org with your event information. You'll receive a personalized registration link with your discount.

No. Players who competed in another event already received an event fee refund and are not eligible for an additional discount.

All Amateur Skill/Age events begin with players on a waitlist during Tier 2 Registration

Players are accepted based on their Tournament Player Series (TPS) point totals.

Accepted players must complete payment by September 23, 2026.

Yes, but your registration will not be complete until you have been partnered.

Players are not considered fully registered until they have both completed payment and secured a partner for doubles events.

Partner replacement policies are outlined in the Player Policies page. Contact Tournament Operations if a replacement is needed.

The Tournament Director may modify schedules, formats, or match structures due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

For $65, players may purchase optional protection during registration that provides refunds for covered withdrawals and weather-related cancellations.

What is covered?

• Withdrawal for any reason (before the deadline)
• Weather-related event cancellations
• Registration fee refunds if your only event is canceled due to weather

What isn't covered?

• Same-day withdrawals
• Players who did not purchase protection
• Format changes due to weather
• Disqualifications
• Forfeits

No. It must be purchased during registration.

Verify that your name, email address, and personal information match exactly across your USA Pickleball membership, DUPR account, and Pickleball Den profile.

Email NationalsReg@usapickleball.org

The official tournament ball is the Franklin X-40.

The top 32 registered teams are accepted based on APP points and other approved professional results.

• Single elimination Progressive Draw. Beginning on November 4 and finishing on Sunday November 8.
• Each event will play a single round each day.

Seeding is determined using APP points.

No. Professional events feature a straight 32-team single elimination draw.

The Tournament Director may adjust the competition schedule as needed.

Double elimination with a consolation bracket.

Most Champion Pro and Masters Pro events are completed within a single day.

• Divisions need to have a minimum of 8 teams for doubles or they may be combined with another skill/age division.
• Events for Age Groups 65 and older will be combined by AGE FIRST. Example: Mixed Doubles 3.0 (65-69) has 3 teams, Mixed Doubles 3.5 (65-69) has 1 team and Mixed Doubles 4.0 (65-69) has 4 teams. The combined bracket would be Mixed Doubles 3.0/3.5/4.0 (65-69) with 8 teams.
• Events for Age Groups under 65 will be combined by Skill Level First. Example: Men’s Doubles 4.0 (30-39) has 4 teams, Men’s Doubles 4.0 (40-49) has 5 teams, we would combine the two age groups at the same skill level to be a combined division of Men’s Doubles 4.0 (30-39, 40-49) with 9 teams.

Double Elimination with a Consolation Bracket (no return to Gold Medal match).

The Tournament Director may conduct the division as a Round Robin.

Registered athletes will receive important tournament updates by email, and the Nationals website will be updated as new information becomes available.

Yes. The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify formats due to weather, participation levels, or operational needs.

Yes. Divisions with fewer than eight teams may be combined to provide the best competitive experience.

The daily schedule is available on the Nationals website here: https://usapickleballnationals.com/schedule/. Individual match times will be posted through Pickleball Den closer to competition.

Brackets will be released closer to competition and communicated to registered athletes.

No. Junior registration is open during the designated registration period.

Yes. Players advancing to the semifinals and medal matches must have their paddles re-tested.

Players should bring a backup paddle. Failed paddles may be held by Tournament Operations until the player's competition day concludes.

Testing typically takes 3–5 minutes, although wait times may vary.

Players may submit up to two paddles during peak testing periods.

Players are encouraged to have their paddles tested the day before they compete whenever possible.

Yes. Paddle testing is mandatory for all Amateur, Professional, Champion Pro, and Masters Pros. Collegiate athletes do not need to have paddles tested. Learn more here: https://usapickleballnationals.com/paddle-testing/

No. Registered athletes receive venue access on the days they are competing.

Tickets may be available onsite at the Box Office, subject to availability. Purchasing in advance is recommended, especially for Championship Court and VIP tickets.

Spectators can choose from FREE General Admission, Championship Court presented by QVC reserved seating, or VIP tickets. Ticket options vary depending on the day of competition. Ticket information can be found here: https://usapickleballnationals.com/tickets/

General Admission includes full-day access to the venue, viewing of amateur matches and select pro matches, access to Fan Village, entertainment, sponsor activations, shopping, and food vendors.

Championship Court tickets include reserved seating on Championship Court presented by QVC, plus access to all amateur matches and the Fan Village.

General Admission provides access to Championship Court on a first-come, first-served basis through Tuesday, November 3. Beginning Wednesday, November 4, General Admission seating is limited to the bleacher section. Championship Court tickets guarantee your reserved seat.

If inventory is available, ticket upgrades may be possible through Tixr.

Children ages 5 and under receive free admission.

Yes. Groups of 30 or more are eligible for discounted pricing. Please contact tickets@usapickleball.org.

Yes. Military discounts are available. Please contact tickets@usapickleball.org.

Pro Athletes: Each Pro athlete is allowed one (1) guest credential. This credential provides their guest with access to the same designated venue areas as the pro athlete, including the pro player lounge. Guests should reserve their complimentary general admission ticket online in advance or obtain one at the on-site box office. Guests credentials are redeemed at the on-site box office.

Junior Athletes: General Admission is free for all guests attending Junior Nationals. Families and guests are encouraged to reserve their complimentary General Admission tickets online in advance for the easiest entry experience.

GA tickets must be secured on Tixr, our ticketing platform.

Yes. Shuttle buses are ADA compliant.

Approximately every 15 minutes beginning at 6:00 a.m. until two hours after competition concludes each day.

Yes. Shuttle transportation is included with your off-site parking purchase.

Two parking options are available:

• On-site parking at Barnes Tennis Center ($50/day)
• Off-site parking with shuttle service ($10/day)

Fan Village features sponsor activations, merchandise, giveaways, interactive experiences, entertainment, and food.

Yes. All point-of-sale locations at the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships will be cashless. This includes parking, the box office, bars and concessions in Fan Village. Please plan to use a credit card, debit card or other accepted cashless payment method for purchases onsite.

Yes. Merchandise, sponsor booths, and vendor shopping are available throughout Fan Village.

Outside food and beverages are prohibited, except for water.

Yes. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the venue.

During your registration window, make sure to create your Pickleball Den profile and email NationalsReg@usapickleball.org with your event information. You'll receive a personalized registration link with your discount.