Media company Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) will hold its Inaugural Pickleball Slam on April 2 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Tennis legends Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, John McEnroe and Andy Roddick will face off at the event for a $1m prize.
HS&E and InsideOut Sports & Entertainment have created the tournament and will broadcast the event live on ESPN prior to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship game.
HS&E Co-CEO David Levy commented: "Pickleball is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon – experiencing a meteoric rise across genders, age groups, geographies, and income levels.
"The Slam, a multi-year partnership with the Hard Rock, represents the convergence of culture and sport, giving brands an opportunity to engage with passionate fans and amateur players, as pickleball continues to gain popularity.
"We look forward to bringing together four of America's most iconic tennis legends for this groundbreaking competition, which heralds a new milestone for the fastest-growing sport in America."
The Seminole Tribe of Florida acquired the Hard Rock brand in 2007. Since Hard Rock’s founding, the brand has globally expanded to include more than 250 locations.
Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming President of Entertainment Keith Sheldon spoke about the group’s commitment to hosting various sporting events and said the company is pleased to collaborate with HS&E.
Sheldon said: "We are tremendously excited to be bringing the Inaugural Pickleball Slam to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
"Hard Rock Live has become synonymous with big events, and to have four of the biggest names in American tennis battling for the largest purse in pickleball history on a national live broadcast will only serve to bolster this reputation. We are honored to partner with HS&E to debut The Slam at The Guitar Hotel."
