Mariners Pickleball Night 2022 was a huge success and a triumphant way to cap a great year for pickleball in Washington State. Over 900 pickleball fans joined an almost sold-out T-Mobile Park crowd of 44,965 people, who cheered on the Mariners in a thrilling 3-1 victory over last year’s reigning World Series Champions on September 10th.
We didn’t just show up for a baseball game. Pickleball fans from Canada, eastern Washington and the Puget Sound area united for pre-game festivities on the rooftop deck, socializing with others they regularly see on the courts at a major sporting event. It certainly speaks to the elevation of pickleball in Washington.
Launched Pickleball License Plate initiative – Kate Van Gent, Frank Chiappone, and Amy Greger 
Pickleball Central set up a demo court on the rooftop deck 
Done with set up and ready for the fans! 
Fans having fun pre-game 
Dan and Katie testing out the GAMMA paddles 
Does it get any better? 
Pre-game funk on the rooftop deck 
Riley and Lindsey Newman signing shirts for fans 
Riley and Lindsey Newman with fans 
Frank Chiappone, Riley Newman, and Kate Van Gent before the Group First Pitch 
Kate Van Gent, Mariner Moose, and Riley Newman 
Half of SMPA Board and Riley Newman in the background 
PICKLEBALL NIGHT!!!
Professional pickleball athletes Riley and Lindsey Newman signed Pickleball Night t-shirts and snapped photos with excited and smiling fans. People dinked on the rooftop pickleball court (a few even tried for full games), demo-d Riley and Lindsey Newman’s signature Gamma paddles, entered the free two paddle raffle, got free coozies from our partner Pickleball Central, and signed Seattle Metro Pickleball Association’s state sport license plate petition. After all that excitement, fans took their seats and watched pickleball capture center field at T-Mobile Park when Riley Newman threw out the first pitch.
Correction to the intro: Frank Chiappone is still the SMPA President!
Pickleball became the official state sport in March 2022. We think our state sport deserves a state license plate. The Seattle Metro Pickleball Association officially launched the Pickleball License Plate initiative on Mariners Pickleball Night, and is excited to be joining Senator John Lovick in this effort.
Please join our effort and sign the petition.
See you at the Mariners Pickleball Night 2023!