Peggy Martin

The 2024 Norris Invitational Pickleball Tournament (NIT) opens on the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood (SLPCC) courts on Monday, March 4. The tournament goes through Wednesday, March 6, with a rain day on Thursday, March 7. The tournament was open to players from Cottonwood Palo Verde, Sun Lakes 1, IronOaks, Springfield, and SunBird communities. Women’s Doubles and Men’s 75+ Division will be played on Monday, March 4. Mixed Doubles and 75+ Mixed Doubles will be played on Tuesday, March 5. Men’s Doubles and Women’s 75+ Division will be played on Wednesday, March 6.

This is the 10th annual NIT tournament, and it is named for Maureen and Dick Norris who first brought pickleball to Cottonwood Palo Verde, playing on a blacktop parking lot at Sisk Park! We have definitely come a long way, baby!

Men’s and women’s tournament brackets are divided by numerical skill levels: a 2.0 player is a beginner, a 2.5 player is a novice, a 3.0 player is an intermediate player, a 3.5 player is an advanced intermediate player, and a 4.0 player is an advanced player capable of hitting pretty terrific shots. Tournament play is a foursome of all women, all men, and mixed doubles.

There will be daily 50/50s and a basket raffle, with all proceeds going to Sun Lakes charities. The 2023 NIT raised $2,500 for Neighbors Who Care, a nonprofit agency serving the needs of our Sun Lakes family. Vendors, food, and drink will be open and available for purchase by all fans.

Whether you’re a player or a fan, mark your calendars for March 4-7! Bring your water bottles and join us for a week of great pickleball, food, and drink while supporting the important work of our Sun Lakes nonprofit community.

Please direct all questions, including vendor and sponsor, to [email protected]. See you at the 2024 NIT!