Madison Area Sports Commission

The countdown is on for the 2026 Madtown Pickleball Open, presented by COUNTRY Financial. Join us on July 10–12 at Wyndham Hills Park in Visit Sun Prairie for competition + community impact at Wisconsin’s LARGEST outdoor pickleball tournament!

Players will get premium perks, including the following:
🥒 Joola swag bag with a three-pack of HC-40 balls ($35 value)
👕 Custom design 2026 MPO technical shirt
⌚ Five-game minimum guarantee, ensuring plenty of court time

Even better: Your participation supports the Madison Area Sports Commission’s Youth Grant program, helping make sports financially accessible to kids in Dane County. 💙

Registration closes on July 5. Learn more and register: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/cjmqw1kvia

We’re just 10 days away from The Destination Madison Awards, when we’ll reveal the winners in each of seven award categories. 🥁But first, we’re honoring all of the finalists for all they do to make Madison so memorable.

Next up: MASC Sports Champion Awards. This crew knows a thing or two about growing sports participation and helping us host high-profile competitions in our capital city. Their passion and leadership is incredible and the impact they’ve made is unforgettable.

And the finalists are:

🏅Shane Burgess, Assistant AD Event Operations, Wisconsin Athletics
🏅Deborah (Deb) Jenks, Founder/VP/Director of Special Events, Dairyland Sports
🏅Joel Marshall, Director of Operations, Verona Ice Arena
🏅Kevin McPherson, President, Capital Area Pickleball Association
🏅Afan Ottenheimer, Vice Commadore, Mendota Yacht Club
🏅Nate Pokrass, Director, American Family Insurance Championship

Drop your note of congrats for these big hitters below. ⬇️

Then 🔗 to see the finalists for all awards: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/ykw0bggveg

Boys and girls State lacrosse return today for a single-day, two-game championship showcase. Welcome to all the athletes, families and fans arriving in Madison!

DYK:

✨The WIAA launched boys and girls lacrosse in 2024.
📈 The sport quickly expanded to more than 40 boys teams and 50 girls teams by 2025.
🥍 Every championship has been hosted at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field in Visit Sun Prairie.

Join us in cheering on these athletes and celebrating a sport that’s growing right alongside our community.

🔗 to tournament info and tickets: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/pbpjb88jzp

The road to State runs through Madison, just like it did at the very beginning. We’re thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the WIAA State Softball Tournament, taking place over the next two days. 🎉

DYK?

🥎 The very first WIAA State Tournament in 1976 was played in the capital city, where Madison West claimed the first-ever championship, defeating Elmwood 27–8.

🏆 Goodman Diamond has been the host venue since 2002, witnessing the sport’s evolution from a single class to today’s five‑division showcase.

Welcome back to Madison—a city where women’s sports thrive, and where history continues to be made. Best of luck to all the teams competing.

🔗 to tickets and tournament info: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/nulndddyka

Ready to expand your youth sports program's access? Since 2011, the Madison Area Sports Commission has awarded $666,876​ to local organizations through the Youth Grant to help make sports financially accessible for kids. Your organization could be next. 💙

MASC is accepting youth grant applications now through Thursday, July 2. If you’re affiliated with a sports group that serves Dane County youth in need, don’t miss out on this opportunity to help kids discover new passions, find community and build confidence on and off the field.

🔗 to learn more and submit your application: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/tijb9io2pf

We’re honored to welcome the WIAA Boys Golf State Tournament back to Madison for a milestone moment: its 100th Anniversary, June 8–9 at University Ridge Golf Course!

DYK?

🏌🏾‍♂️The tournament itself dates back to 1923, with early play rooted in Racine before decades of site changes eventually led to its modern home at University Ridge from 1994–2020, then again beginning in 2025.

⛳ Madison programs have shaped the record book! Madison West owns the most team titles at 15 and Edgewood is the only school to win six straight championships.

Despite venue changes, shifting divisions and even major global upheavals, the Boys Golf State Tournament has remained one of Wisconsin’s long‑standing traditions.

🔗 to tournament info: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/bm2k6wnraw

The 2026 Madtown Pickleball Open, presented by COUNTRY Financial, is just over one month out! And thanks to the Madison Area Sports Commission team’s year‑round work, this tournament continues to grow in scale, quality and community impact.

Join us July 10–12 at Wyndham Hills Park in Visit Sun Prairie for a summer weekend that blends competition with purpose.

This year’s enhanced player perks include:

🥒 A Joola swag bag + HC‑40 ball three‑pack
👕 An exclusive 2026 MPO technical shirt (our team loves the breathable fabric!)
⏱ A five‑game minimum guarantee

Every registration supports the MASC Youth Grant program, helping ensure all kids in Dane County can access sports opportunities.

Save your spot today: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/ahnuyioqf0

Madison is ready for you, WIAA athletes, families and fans!

The Boys Individual Tennis State Tournament returns to Nielsen Stadium at Recreation & Wellbeing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison today through Saturday.

A few fun pieces of tennis history to set the stage:

🎾 Nielsen Stadium has been home to the State Tournament since 1973, making it one of the longest-running championship venues in WIAA history.

🎾 The WIAA boys tennis tournament dates back to 1925, when Shorewood swept the singles, doubles and team titles. Also right here in Madison.

🎾 Nicolet leads all programs with 26 team championships, while Neenah holds the record for most doubles titles (15).

Whether you’re competing, cheering or soaking in the atmosphere, we’re glad you’re here. Best of luck to all the athletes hitting the courts this week.

🔗 to tournament info: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/4fwgigu3ow