Sports Destination Management, the leading publication for sports event planners and tournament directors, has announced its 2025 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, and Southern Pickleball in partnership with Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events, has earned top honors.
The Southern Pickleball Championships presented by Publix, held January 3 through 5 at Rhythm & Rally, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, was recognized for delivering a remarkable economic boost to the region. The tournament generated $809,640 in direct economic impact and 1,332 room nights for Macon, driven by more than 1,200 players traveling from 21 states and two countries.
“Having 32 quality courts and not having to worry about the weather is a tournament director’s dream for big events like our Southern Championships,” said Paul Midkiff, Co-Founder of Southern Pickleball. “Rhythm and Rally delivers the number of courts we need as well as additional room for players to congregate and socialize, making it the premier facility we are looking for when scheduling this event.”
Hosted entirely indoors at Rhythm & Rally, the event showcased the power of large-scale pickleball tourism paired with Macon’s hospitality. The three-day championship highlighted the city’s revitalization, brought national attention to Middle Georgia, and further solidified Macon as a rising destination in America’s fastest-growing sport.
“We are incredibly proud to see this event recognized on a national stage,” said Ally Bird, Marketing Manager for Rhythm & Rally. “Our community, our partners, and the unbelievable energy inside our facility helped create something special. This award celebrates not just pickleball, but Macon as a whole.”
Looking ahead, the momentum continues. The 2026 Southern Pickleball Championships are scheduled for later this month, December 31 through January 4, and have expanded to a five-day format to accommodate soaring registration numbers and continued demand. With record participation expected, the upcoming event is positioned to generate an even greater impact for Macon.
