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Professional Pickleball Association Wisconsin Challenger Series
Go Chippewa County is thrilled to announce that the Village of Lake Hallie and Eau Claire have been selected to host the Wisconsin PPA Challenger, a new tournament event in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger Series, taking place July 24–27, 2025, at Lake Hallie Pickleball at Gower Park and Northstar Middle School Eau Claire.
In collaboration with the Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club, Visit Eau Claire and Go Chippewa County will work together to assist with organizing and executing the event. There will be a $10,000 prize purse for the event provided by the PPA. This tournament will also feature a unique opportunity for players and fans to witness senior master and pro-level players vying for a $20,000 purse.
Registration is OPEN TO ALL. We encourage everyone interested in playing in the Wisconsin PPA Challenger to register as registration is now open. Ticketing for the PPA Tour Challenger Series will be powered by TIXR. All pro and amateur players will receive a grounds pass with their fee to participate in the event. There will also be $15 grounds pass tickets for sale to friends, family, and fans, with free entry for kids 8 and under.
“We’ve been excited to create more grassroots opportunities for amateur players, as well as a structured pathway to the Carvana PPA Tour for aspiring professionals, and we have done just that with the Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder & CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “This new tour will not only elevate the level of play but also inspire and motivate amateurs to reach new heights in their pickleball journey while bringing the PPA Tour’s brand of electric pickleball action to new levels of intensity.”
Championship Court action from the Wisconsin PPA Challenger will be streamed LIVE on the NEW Tennis Channel app.
Planning Your Stay in Chippewa County
For players and families that are traveling to Chippewa County for this tournament, here are some recommendations for where to stay, eat, and go to make the most of your trip.
Spending the Night
Here are some hotels that are close to the main venue.
- Hampton Inn Chippewa Falls (2.1 miles from Gower Park)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2.7 miles from Gower Park)
- Country Inn & Suites (3.7 miles from Gower Park)
Food and Coffee
Here are some places to grab a bite near the venue, but you can see more places to try by clicking the button below.
- The Eggbreak Cafe is a great breakfast and coffee option with a ton of variety
- River Jams gives you a wonderful view of the Chippewa River and has an outdoor bar great for spending a night
- Heartbreakers Bar and Grill is another tasty option with BINGO, live music, or karaoke happening most nights
Things to Do
You’ll need some things to do during your off-time. Thankfully, Chippewa County is filled with activities and places to see that will leave you coming back for more.
- Tour the Leinie Lodge and have a drink
- Visit Irvine Park & Zoo to see some cool animals (add about drive or nature walk, historical old buildings)
- Go for a nature walk at the Ice Age Trail or Beaver Creek Reserve
- Tour historic buildings like the Cook-Rutledge Mansion or Sunny Valley School House
- Check out the many businesses in downtown Chippewa Falls, such as the Candy Shop, Collective Charm, Glaze N’ Glass Creations, and Bridge Street Art & Gifts
See more ways to play and shop
Pickleball Courts
Want more time to practice? Here are additional pickleball courts in the area to get your fix when the venue is being used.
- Buchanan Park Pickleball Courts
- Marshall Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts
- Lafayette Pickleball Courts
See our Pickleball page for more
For more ideas on where to go and what to do on your trip, check out the blogs below!
