STL Shock to Host Major League Pickleball St. Louis at Chaifetz Arena, July 2025

St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Shock is proud to announce that St. Louis will serve as the host city for Major League Pickleball (MLP) St. Louis, taking place July 17th – 20th, 2025 at the iconic Chaifetz Arena. The world-class venue will play host to the largest ever indoor Major League Pickleball showcase and will bring elite competition, passionate fans, and an electric atmosphere to the heart of St. Louis.

With a capacity of 10,800 seats, Chaifetz Arena is a state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Saint Louis University (SLU) that will proudly house the largest ever indoor professional pickleball event. Chaifetz Arena has previously hosted world-class events including US Tennis Championships, Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, USA Gymnast Championships, and featured world-renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tim McGraw, Lil Wayne, Sabrina Carpenter, and many more. The arena is named for SLU alumnus Dr. Richard Chaifetz following his $27M donation to SLU. Chaifetz is also Chairman and Owner of the St. Louis Shock. Fans can expect four action-packed days of thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments as the best players in the world compete in the fastest-growing sport in the country in the best-ever venue to host professional pickleball.

The St. Louis Shock, founded as a Major League Pickleball expansion franchise in early 2023, has quickly catapulted to the top of the standings and the sport. The team finished the 2024 season 2^nd in Regular Season Standings, and earned a Third Place Bronze finish in the 2024 Vulcan MLP Playoffs in Orlando, FL. The Shock have been recognized by leading pickleball publications such as The Dink, The Kitchen, Forbes, and more as one of the most well-renowned franchises in MLP.

Ross Chaifetz, Owner, Vice Chairman and General Manager of the St. Louis Shock, said: “Bringing Major League Pickleball to St. Louis is a huge step in our plans to mark the region as a recognized hub for the sport not only in the Midwest, but nationwide. St. Louis proudly boasts the #6 market in the USA for pickleball, and this event will showcase the strength of the Shock as our hometown franchise, competing against some of the best talent in the world. This is just the beginning of what we’re building for the future, and we’re excited to show pickleball fans from across the world what St. Louis is all about.”

 “This is a monumental moment for both the St. Louis Shock and the St. Louis community,” said Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock. “Hosting an MLP event in our home city is not only a celebration of pickleball but also a testament to the growth of the sport and our team's continued momentum. Chaifetz Arena, with its world-class amenities, is the perfect backdrop for this marquee event, and we can’t wait to welcome fans, players, and partners to experience pickleball like never before.”

The MLP St. Louis event will showcase the league's unique team format, featuring dramatic rallies, high-energy matchups, and fan engagement unlike any other. It will also highlight the growing presence of professional pickleball in St. Louis, further solidifying the region as a hub for the sport’s expansion. The St. Louis stop will be one of 10 Regular Season MLP events taking place in team markets across the country during the 2025 season. The 2025 schedule also features a Mid-Season Tournament, a two-week playoff format, and the inaugural MLP Cup in November.

MLP’s decision to host events in team markets for the first time represents a significant evolution for the league and the sport. Following the success of 2024 events in cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, and Dallas, MLP has expanded its schedule by 25% to include more local team-hosted experiences, further enhancing fan engagement and accessibility.

Key Highlights of MLP St. Louis:

• Event Dates: July 17th – 20th, 2025
• Venue: Chaifetz Arena – State-of-the-art facility with 10,000+ seating capacity
• Pro Pickleball Action: Top players in the world, hosted by the St. Louis Shock competing in MLP’s innovative team format
• Amateur Play Events: Opportunities for local players to participate in registered amateur competitions
• Fan Experience: Four days of electrifying matches, entertainment, and community engagement

To learn more and see the Shock in action, follow the team on social media @STLSHOCKMLP or www.stlshock.com.

Tickets for MLP St. Louis can be purchased here: PURCHASE TICKETS

About St. Louis Shock
The St. Louis Shock is a Major League Pickleball team which competes in the Premier level of the league. The Shock are dedicated to the pursuit of championships, and promoting the growth of both recreational and professional pickleball, providing fans and players with exciting opportunities to engage in the sport. Through partnerships, events, and community involvement, the St. Louis Shock is committed to expanding pickleball’s reach and inspiring players across the region.