ESPN’s SportsCenter Set to Spotlight Pickleball at Beer City Open

ESPN is heading to Michigan this July, and for once it’s not for a football rivalry or a Red Wings update. As part of its ambitious “50 States in 50 Days” SportsCenter tour, the network is landing in Grand Rapids to spotlight the Edward Jones Major League Pickleball Midseason Tournament at the Beer City Open. Set to air live on July 10 during a 2 p.m. broadcast, the segment will be anchored by Christine Williamson directly from Belknap Park, offering national exposure to a tournament already recognized as a fan favorite on the pro tour.

The segment promises to do more than just show off a few highlight reel ATPs. ESPN’s goal is to capture how pickleball is uniting Michigan’s sports community in a way that few sports can — whether it’s Gen Zs slamming overheads or retirees running the kitchen line like it’s Normandy. The coverage will feature both live and pre-produced elements across all ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter, the ESPN App, and their social media ecosystem.

This marks the first time in two decades that ESPN has launched a tour of this magnitude. With other stops like UFC 317, the MLB Home Run Derby, and The ESPYS, the inclusion of pickleball is a nod to how mainstream the sport has become. For players and fans heading to Grand Rapids in July, it’s not just about medals anymore — it’s about being on SportsCenter. And if you’ve ever wanted to show off your third-shot drop to a national audience, your moment has arrived.