AVE MARIA, Fla. – Del Webb Naples in Ave Maria is hosting the 2024 Winterfest Open, a weekend pickleball tournament featuring pro exhibitions, doubles teams vying for championship titles, food trucks, entertainment and paddle and prize giveaways.

The event runs from Jan. 13-14 and takes place in and around Del Webb’s 12-court lighted pickleball complex at 6010 Del Webb Way, Ave Maria.

Hosted by Pulte Homes and Ave Maria, the 2024 Winterfest Open is free, open to the public and offered daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It includes an hour-long demo led by local and senior pros at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, followed by a rousing performance from popular Southwest Florida classic rock band Steinbeck Way at 2 p.m.

The tournament is a round robin format for men, women and mixed double teams. The tournament is open to players with 3.0 to 4.5 skill rating levels. Players will be divided into three age groups: 20-49, 50-65 and 66 and up. The entry fee is $70.

The registration host site provides an overview of basic player data – participating players in their 20s to late 70s signing up from 15 states, as far away as California and Alaska.

For more information, contact Bill Olex at 908-229-5951.