Game On: Secure Your Spot at the National Mall of Pickleball and Cheer on Top Duos From Across the Country
Court reservations open today at 12 p.m. ET; eight duos selected to compete in the Trust for the National Mall's Ultimate Duo Challenge on Saturday, September 20
From September 19-21, the heart of Washington, D.C. will transform into an open-air pickleball playground for the third National Mall of Pickleball. Hosted by the Trust for the National Mall, Humana (NYSE:HUM), and the Humana Foundation, the free, three-day event brings players, fans, and community organizations together to enjoy clinics, competitions and court time on one of America's most iconic stages.
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This year's theme, "Moves That Serve," spotlights pickleball's power to unite people on and off the court through a sport that's inclusive, accessible and fun for all. This year's event will be located at 12th Street SW, on the National Mall between Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive NW, just steps from the Smithsonian Metro Station.
Ultimate Duo Challenge: Eight Teams, One National Stage
To demonstrate the positive impact of America's favorite past time, the Trust for the National Mall selected eight inspiring duos from across the country to compete in the Ultimate Duo Challenge on Saturday, September 20.
Finalists hail from states including Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, each bringing powerful stories of how pickleball has served as an anchor during challenging times, created lasting connections on and off the court, and supported both mental and physical wellbeing. From one duo's quest to play pickleball in all 50 states to another's unexpected friendships forged through the game, this year's Ultimate Duo finalists represent the true spirit of America's fastest-growing sport.
"There is no better way to launch the third National Mall of Pickleball than by announcing this year's outstanding Ultimate Duo finalists," said Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. "We are deeply grateful to all who shared their stories and celebrated the vibrant community this sport inspires. Pickleball brings people together, and we're proud to celebrate that community on America's Front Yard as we look ahead to the nation's 250th anniversary. On the National Mall, every moment becomes part of history."
Community Play: From Changemakers to Veterans
The 2025 event will also debut new programming that rallies local organizations who exemplify the spirit of service:
- Local leagues from across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia will compete in a DMV Invitational Tournament on Friday, September 19.
- The Changemaker Cup on Saturday, September 20 will bring together non-profit organizations dedicated to serving communities, featuring Iona Senior Services, National Park Foundation, United Way Worldwide, Veterans in Pickleball, Volunteers for America, and Waterfront Village.
- The Veteran Volley on Saturday, September 20 will honor US Veterans of all ages, featuring representatives from Blue Star Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Honor Flight Network, Luke's Wings, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS).
"From supporting America's seniors to strengthening health across communities, these organizations truly embody what it means to serve," said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. "Their dedication reflects the spirit of this year's theme, Moves That Serve, championing the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the lives they touch. We're thrilled to welcome them to this monumental event and share their inspiring stories on the National Mall."
Reserve Your Court Now
Starting today, September 10, at 12 p.m. ET, the public can reserve court time in advance by joining the Pickleball Den club here. Walk-on opportunities, clinics, knockout rounds, raffles, and friendly competitive matches will also be available throughout the weekend. Programming will also feature opportunities to watch and play with pickleball pros from the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) including Lee Whitwell and Kristin Hickman and D.C. Pickleball Team's (DCPT) newest roster including Stephan Auvergne, Daniel De La Rosa, and Coach Jim Dobran.
To learn more about the National Mall of Pickleball, visit https://nationalmall.org/pickleball.
About Trust for the National Mall
As the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan philanthropic partner of the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall. The Trust brings private funding, project expertise and in-kind support to help elevate the National Mall and its historic purpose, especially critical as we approach America's 250th in 2026. The Trust raises funding, leads capital restoration projects, mobilizes volunteer operations and provides innovative educational experiences to ensure the National Mall, with 36 million visits each year, endures as a vibrant civic stage for generations to come. The Trust is also the philanthropic partner of President's Park, adjacent to the National Mall. To learn more and to support our mission, please visit/contact us: www.nationalmall.org, [email protected], @thenationalmall.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
About Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org
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Meghan Baumler
National Mall of Pickleball Media Contact
[email protected]