Pickleball Tournament Review - 2025 Rock and Roll - Foley, AL
What better way to wrap up summer than with a weekend full of pickleball before college football takes over? From August 20–24, 2025, 264 players packed into the Foley Event Center for the Rock and Roll Tournament—and it did not disappoint!
Tournament Highlights
- Format: Most brackets ran as round robins with a medal round, keeping play competitive and fun.
- Scoring: Games to 15, win by 2—plenty of action in every match.
- New Tech: For the first time (and my first tournament experience with it), players entered scores directly on their phones. There were a few user-error hiccups, but overall it worked great and sped up the process.
- Special Rule: Players 60+ could register in their age bracket and one below. Example: a 60-year-old could play 60+ Women's 3.5 and also 50–59 Women's 3.5. This was a fantastic option for active players who wanted extra games.
The Vibe
Tournament director Eddie McDonald once again ran a top-notch event. The City of Foley made sure the facility was spotless, and the atmosphere had all the right touches:
- Rock music played throughout the event to keep the energy high.
- Swag bags included coupons, goodies and a tournament shirt.
- Medals were fun and unique—everyone wanted one.
- Saturday pizza fueled the players and made for a fun mid-event celebration.
One of the best parts? This was a true local tournament feel—a chance to see so many familiar faces from rec play. Friends who are usually just casual hitting partners got the chance to go head-to-head in a competitive setting, which made the games even more exciting.
The Venue
The Foley Event Center proved to be a great indoor escape from Alabama's summer heat:
- Portable nets lined the gym courts.
- Orange indoor balls kept play consistent (though the lines were a little tricky to see at times).
- A few groups were combined for better competition—like 4.5+ Women's Doubles joining the 4.0 bracket—ensuring everyone had quality matches.
- Fruit, snacks, and multiple water stations kept players refreshed all weekend.
Why This Tournament Stood Out
- Perfect Timing: The week before college football kickoff meant a chance to enjoy pickleball before fall sports chaos begins.
- Indoor Comfort: With the August heat, this event was the ideal way to play pickleball without melting in the sun.
- Community: Beyond the games, it was about catching up with friends, sharing laughs, and enjoying the sport together—this tournament really highlighted the social side of pickleball.
Wrapping It Up
The Rock and Roll Tournament in Foley struck all the right notes—great format, smooth organization, and plenty of extras to make players feel appreciated. If you're looking for an indoor tournament with a fun, upbeat vibe, put this one on your 2026 calendar.
Now that the nets are packed up and the medals are hanging on walls, it's time to say… bring on fall pickleball! ?
A little about me
I call Perdido Key, Florida home and In my corner of the Gulf Coast, more and more pickleball players are choosing to call the Alabama–Florida beaches home! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just discovering the game, this area offers the perfect mix of active lifestyle, affordability, and year-round play.
I'm excited to share that I'm now a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS#2747733). This means I can help you find your dream home or guide you through the loan process—whichever step you're ready for.
"Dream home or dream loan—I can help with both!"
Ready to start your next chapter on the Gulf Coast? Let's connect!
Real Estate: donnap@levinrinkerealty.com
Mortgage Loans: dpinion@creative1stmtg.com
