MLP's Phoenix Flames to Host Community Events as the Veolia Arizona Open

Places Pickleball on Center Stage in the Valley Sept. 13-20

PHOENIX, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball will take center stage in Phoenix Sept. 13-20 when the Carvana PPA Tour brings the Veolia Arizona Open to the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. Helping to drive a week-long celebration for the world's fastest-growing sport will be the Phoenix Flames, the Valley's hometown Major League Pickleball (MLP) team. Under the leadership of team owners Jeff and Chrissy Tsao and in collaboration with Center Court, the Flames will host two community events to bring fans, recreational players, and aspiring competitors closer to the professional game.

The Flames' events — a Phoenix Flames Pickleball Party on Sept. 13 at Center Court Scottsdale Shea and a Beat the Pro Ladder on Sept. 14 at Center Court Gilbert — are part of the Tsao's commitment to expanding the reach of pickleball and supporting its growth at all levels throughout Arizona. The timing creates a full week of opportunities for players and fans to experience pickleball for the first time or as a current member of the community, from participating in amateur play and interactive games to watching the world's top professionals compete at the Veolia Arizona Open.

"The upcoming week is exactly what we envisioned for the Flames in Phoenix — not just as a professional team competing at the highest level, but serving as a catalyst for the growth of pickleball throughout Arizona. With the PPA Tour coming to Mesa, our community members have an incredible opportunity to watch the sport at its highest level and then step onto the court themselves. We want to help make pickleball more accessible, more exciting, and more connected to people in our team's home market. Our family is active on the court and off it. This is why Chrissy and I became involved with MLP in the first place," said Jeff Tsao.

Chrissy Tsao added, "We are passionate about creating opportunities for people to discover pickleball, fall in love with the game, and see what is possible on and off the court. Arizona has such a vibrant pickleball community, and the Flames team is an integral part of it. Having a PPA tournament in our market makes the upcoming week a special one. Still, our commitment goes well beyond the MLP season and any one PPA tournament. We are focused on building the next generation of players, fans, and leaders in this sport."

Their commitment to the future of pickleball is reflected in how the Tsao's built the Flames' roster. With an emphasis on rising talent, the team focuses on professional development and relationship-building that brings together rising stars. Current Phoenix Flames team members are Alexa Schull (19), Cam Chaffin (15), Allison Phillips (23), Daria Walczak (26), Jonathan Truong (19), and Michael Loyd (28). The Flames' investment in young players underscores the organization's belief that the next wave of pickleball stars is already emerging — and that the team can play a major role in developing them.

FLAMES COMMUNITY EVENTS

PHOENIX FLAMES PICKLEBALL PARTY

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Center Court Scottsdale Shea, 10220 N 90th St.
https://centercourtpickleball.com/locations/scottsdale-shea/

Online Registration: Click here to pre-register online. Space is limited.

Admission: Members: $20, Nonmembers: $30  -- T-shirt, hat, and food included with admission
Fans can drop in throughout the afternoon for open play, Beat the Pro challenges, interactive games, a player meet-and-greet with photos and autographs, an exhibition match, a Flames gear raffle, giveaways, and a Q&A with Phoenix Flames players.

BEAT THE PRO LADDER

Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Center Court Gilbert, 1433 E Williams Field Rd.
https://centercourtpickleball.com/locations/gilbert/

Online Registration: Click here to pre-register online. Space is limited.

Admission: Members: $50 per player, Nonmembers: $65 per player
30 players will form 15 teams for 90 minutes of match play with an up-and-down ladder format featuring Phoenix Flames pros. Teams move up after wins and down after losses, with opportunities to face the pros as they climb the ladder. Players must register with a partner.

ABOUT THE PHOENIX FLAMES

The Phoenix Flames is a Major League Pickleball (MLP) team representing the Valley and the state of Arizona. The organization is committed to growing the sport at every level by bringing professional pickleball closer to fans, supporting community play, and investing in the next generation of players. Led by owners Jeff and Chrissy Tsao, the Flames aim to be more than a professional team — they are working to build a lasting pickleball community in Arizona. For more information, visit www.phxflames.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

David Schull
(858) 717-2310
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Phoenix Flames