Candy Cane Classic is back for its second year at Rhythm & Rally

"The first tournament that was in this building was the Candy Cane Classic, and we're back for year two,” said Paul Midkiff, co-founder of the Southern Pickleball Association.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than 800 players from all across Georgia and multiple states are currently battling it out in a three-day pickleball tournament that runs throughout the weekend.

The tournament, hosted by the Southern Pickleball Association, is also a qualifier for the Southern Championships that will also be taking place at Rhythm & Rally during the first week of 2025 from January 3-5.

Paul Midkiff, co-founder of the Southern Pickleball Association, says spectators are welcome. There’s no admission fee, and you can feel free to enjoy some holiday shopping with multiple vendors who are also in attendance.

“The world’s largest indoor pickleball facility opened up last December this time, and the first tournament that was in this building was the Candy Cane Classic, and we’re back for year two,” he said.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, in the world, really, and Macon has the best facilities in the southeast, and so when people get a chance to come play pickleball and then play indoors, climate control at this time of year, people will travel to play pickleball,”

“It’s a great sport,” he continued. “If you haven’t played it yet, and I know some of you out there haven’t, come on out and see what it’s all about.”

Midkiff says more than 900 people have already signed up for the upcoming Southern Championships in January.