Since opening its doors in 2020, Grand Park Arena has steadily established itself as one of Sri Lanka’s leading multi-sport venues.
Issuing a statement, it stated that continuing its commitment to growing sport and recreation in Sri Lanka, Grand Park Arena has now expanded into pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport.
With dedicated courts and a vision to build a vibrant pickleball community, the venue aims to make the sport more accessible while creating opportunities for both competitive and social play.
Located in Piliyandala, the facility first gained recognition through its indoor cricket training nets built to ICC standards before expanding into an outdoor cricket arena featuring a centre matting wicket and floodlights, creating a comprehensive cricketing destination for players of all ages and skill levels.
The latest milestone in this journey will be Picklefest 2026, scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 June at Grand Park Arena. The event will mark the first pickleball tournament ever hosted by the venue and promises to introduce a completely new experience for players and spectators alike, the statement said.
Unlike a traditional sporting event, Picklefest 2026 is being designed as a festival. Alongside competitive matches, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere featuring food and beverage vendors, entertainment, sponsor activations, social spaces, and family-friendly experiences, creating a celebration that extends beyond the court.
“We wanted to create something bigger than a tournament,” said Hashini Ranasinghe, Director of Grand Park Arena.
“Pickleball is a sport that naturally brings people together, and Picklefest is our way of celebrating that spirit. Our goal is to create an event where competition, community and entertainment come together in one unforgettable weekend.”
Ranasinghe added that the event reflects Grand Park Arena’s broader vision of continuously introducing new sporting experiences to Sri Lanka.
“From cricket to pickleball, our focus has always been on building communities through sport. We believe Picklefest 2026 will be a milestone event, not only for Grand Park Arena but for the growth of pickleball in Sri Lanka.”
The tournament will feature multiple competitive categories, welcoming both experienced players and newcomers to the sport. Organisers expect participants from across the country, further highlighting the rapid growth and popularity of pickleball within Sri Lanka, the statement added.
With strong support from sponsors, partners and the wider sporting community, Picklefest 2026 is set to become a landmark event on the local sporting calendar and an exciting new chapter in Grand Park Arena’s continuing evolution.
