Madison Area Sports Commission

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

Enter to win one doubles team registration to the 2026 Madtown Pickleball Open!

GIVEAWAY TIME + PLAN YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY 🏓

Ready for a weekend of pickleball, fun, and exploring Sun Prairie? We’re giving away ONE doubles team registration to the MadTown Pickleball Open, happening July 10–12, 2026 at Wyndham Hills Park in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin!

HOW TO ENTER:
✔️ Like this post
✔️ Tag your doubles partner in the comments

Turn tournament weekend into a fun summer getaway:
✨ Play in one of Wisconsin’s exciting pickleball events
✨ Explore local restaurants, shops, and parks
✨ Stay overnight and experience everything Sun Prairie has to offer

Winner will receive:
🏆 One doubles team registration to the MadTown Pickleball Open (ARV $150)

Whether you’re competing to win or just coming for the experience, this is the perfect excuse for a summer road trip with friends.

Your summer pickleball getaway starts here – find giveaway rules and book your trip at https://visitsunprairie.com/event/madtown-pickleball-open-doubles-giveaway/

Hit the court and make this your most competitive summer yet! 🌞🏓

The 2026 Madtown Pickleball Open, presented by COUNTRY Financial, returns July 10–12—built for players who want more time on the court and a great tournament experience.

Why players love it:

🏓 Five-game guarantee = more play and more chances to compete
🏅 Brackets for every level, from first-time competitors to seasoned players
💥 Well-run, high-energy matches that keep the day moving
👕 Exclusive 2026 MPO tech tee
🛍️ Swag bag courtesy of Joola
💙 Registration supports the MASC Youth Grant

Grab your doubles partner and lock in your spot: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/rtzqiz2xdu

What makes the WIAA tournament experience in Madison so memorable? 🏆

Hear from Stephanie Hauser, Executive Director of Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) and Jamie Patrick, VP of Sales & Sports Strategy of the Madison Area Sports Commission, on how these championships create unforgettable moments for student-athletes, fans and families from across the state.

Learn how the WIAA State Tournament delivers the kind of raw energy, talent and all-around entertainment that makes it a tradition worth experiencing in Madison.

🔗 to the interview: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/zmsygnp1ng

It's Global Meetings Industry Day, and we’re proud to stand with colleagues across the meetings and events industry to recognize the powerful role our work plays in strengthening communities.

Meetings, conferences, conventions and events are engines of economic impact and drivers of meaningful connection. In 2024 alone, meetings and events generated more than $126 billion in travel-related spending in the U.S., directly supporting nearly 620,000 jobs. Here in Madison, an average of 113 meetings and events a year bring an average of $65.5 million to our local economy, and tourism supports over 19,000 jobs in Dane County.

At Destination Madison, we see this impact every day. Meetings, events and visitors help fuel local spending, supporting our hotels, restaurants, small businesses and cultural attractions.

Travel is essential, and meetings matter! We’re proud to champion an industry that brings people together and creates lasting benefits for the Greater Madison community.

🔗 to learn more about GMID: https://eventscouncil.pulse.ly/baaicltids

Happy 100th birthday, Breese Stevens Field! 🥳

We couldn’t be more proud to call this iconic venue a cornerstone of Madison’s sports community. Here are some upcoming celebratory events to bookmark:

🦩 May 16: Forward Madison FC home opener v. Detroit City FC
👑 May 23: Rally Madison FC’s home-field debut v. Minnesota Aurora FC
💯 May 29: Forward Madison FC’s Centennial Night

Here’s to the past, present and future of this legendary home turf!

🔗 to learn more and view the season-long celebration events: https://breesestevensfield.pulse.ly/9rezw0tfrq

Did you know that the behind-the-scenes work of hosting high-profile sporting events in Madison is considered part of our hospitality industry? From helping event planners choose Madison to all the logistics that make athletes, families and fans proud to be a part of it, no one knows that better than those who were nominated for 2026 MASC Sports Champion Awards!

These individuals were nominated based on their passion for sports in our community, and their work which has made a lasting impact on the lives of visitors and residents alike:

Shane Burgess, Assistant AD for Event Operations, Wisconsin Athletics
Deborah (Deb) Jenks, Founder, VP and 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

Be sure to drop a note of congrats below for this spirited group of nominees, then sneak a peek at the honorees in the rest of the 2026 Destination Madison Award categories.

🔗 to see all nominees: https://visitmadison.pulse.ly/0jmhj1tsrf