By Erik Harris, sports editor
CLAY — Many from across the street and a few from across the ocean on Friday took part in the first day of a 72-hour tournament hosted by the city of Clay.
The game is pickleball and it looks a lot like ping pong with a dash of tennis. The up-tempo contest can be played in the basic singles format or, of course, doubles is an option.
This weekend, nearly 400 people will take the 12 courts situated throughout the Clay complex, which opened for the first time in 2019. As long as the weather holds off, competition will continue through Sunday night.
The Alabama Pickleball Open is expected to be an annual event featuring competition for different age groups and ability levels. Players can compete as singles or doubles. Coed play is also an option.
“It should be an exciting weekend,” said Clay City Manager Ronnie Dixon. “It’ll be a long weekend, but it should be a good weekend.”
See photos from Friday’s action below.
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris
Action from the first-ever Alabama Pickleball Open on March 26, 2021 in Clay.
Photo by Erik Harris