Story by Communications Intern Dexter Whitby Jr. – Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events is hosting the 2026 Macon Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger from July 17-19. This will be the first professional pickleball tournament hosted in Macon, and another step in the right direction for the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world.

More than 500 professional players will be in attendance, with talents consisting of Rafa Hewitt, Nicole Conard, Jake Anderson, Anderson Scarpa (an alum of Mercer University), and many more. With this level of competition, it will be a weekend in Macon-Bibb County of high-intensity pickleball competition.

Want to see what the excitement is about? Want to see nationally competitive athletes test their skills against each other? Spectator admission for this weekend’s tournament is $20 per day and $45 for a three-day pass. For more information, visit the 2026 Macon PPA Challenger event page at pickleball.com.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and that’s evident in the number of players in Macon-Bibb and Middle Georgia.  As a result, John Roberts, the General Manager of Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events, views this tournament as “an opportunity for people to see players at the highest level competing up close and in person.”

“Hopefully this can open the door in a relationship with PPA for higher profile events,” Roberts adds.

The 32-court, air-conditioned, venue has made Macon a true contender for hosting high-profile tournaments, attracting players of all skill levels, families, and onlookers  across the region.

The event doesn’t only benefit Rhythm & Rally. Every piece of Macon will be affected, as these weekend tournaments bring visitors into Macon’s restaurants, hotels, attractions, and businesses, which contributes to Macon’s economy

Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events: The world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, located in Macon, GA, within the Macon Mall. The facility spans 166,000 square feet and features 32 climate-controlled courts, a pro shop, food & beverage options, locker rooms, and event space. It welcomes players of all skill levels. Rhythm & Rally is a member of the SF Network, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities, and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations, The Sports Facilities Companies.

To learn more, visit rhythmandrally.com