Story written by Office of Communications Intern Dexter Whitby, Jr. – The 2026 Macon Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger, hosted by Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events in Macon, GA, is another key milestone for a pickleball venue that has been on the rise.
Macon-Bibb County’s first tournament, featuring PPA and professional players, happened from July 17-19. Several top-ranked players attended, bringing high-intensity pickleball competition.
Tristen Dussault and Jae Centonze won the men’s doubles tournament, while Dussault also won the men’s singles tournament. Isabella Dunlap and Lina Padeigmaite took the victory in the women’s doubles tournament, and Amber Policare won the women’s singles tournament. Lastly, Anouar Braham and Liz Truluck took the victory in the mixed doubles tournament.
Rhythm & Rally has held dozens of pickleball tournaments before, with their most recent one being a Southern Pickleball Memorial Day Tournament in May. But this PPA Challenger is a true indicator of how the venue has truly grown over the years, which also helps Macon-Bibb County as a whole.
John Roberts, General Manager of Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events, says they have been keeping track of all the tournaments they are hosting thanks to their partnership with Consumer Cellular Pickleball and believes it is a testament to their venue as well as the city of Macon-Bibb County.
“It is a vindication for the city leaders that recognized the growth of pickleball seven years ago and continued to capitalize on the growth by transforming this space into what it is,” said Roberts, who describes the journey of the facility’s rise as an “organic grassroots” in Middle Georgia.
Roberts also pointed out how the unity of Macon has skyrocketed due to the rise in pickleball in the city. “There is something really special about the people of Macon, and they are truly supportive not just on the pickleball court, but even beyond,” he stated.Rhythm & Rally looks to build off of this milestone and looks forward to even more professional events coming to the venue.
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 http://rhythmandrally.com.