The Marcel-Lemieux provincial pickleball championships will be played entirely outdoors for the first time this weekend, June 13 to 15, on twenty newly constructed courts in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, a community southwest of Montreal. Organizers have set up the open‑air venue to host the annual Quebec tournament, offering players a chance to compete under the region’s summer sky.
The decision to move the competition outdoors marks a shift from the traditional indoor setting that has defined the event in previous years. By adding twenty fresh courts, the tournament can accommodate a larger field of participants while showcasing the sport in a natural environment. The new courts were installed specifically for the weekend’s matches, ensuring that each game benefits from the fresh surface and ample space.
Players arriving from across the province will compete in singles, doubles and mixed categories, following the standard format of the Marcel‑Lemieux championship. The schedule runs continuously over the three‑day period, with early rounds on Friday and Saturday and the final matches slated for Sunday. Spectators are invited to watch the action from the surrounding area, taking advantage of the open setting.
Local officials have highlighted the outdoor arrangement as an opportunity to promote pickleball’s growing popularity in Quebec. The tournament’s relocation to Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield also brings attention to the town’s recreational facilities, which have been upgraded to support the event. Organizers expect the outdoor format to enhance the experience for both competitors and fans, offering a vibrant backdrop for the province’s premier pickleball competition.
The Marcel‑Lemieux championship concludes on Sunday, June 15, with champions crowned in each division. The successful execution of the outdoor venue could set a precedent for future editions of the tournament, potentially establishing a new tradition for Quebec’s pickleball community.