Marcel‑Lemieux Pickleball Championship Shifts Outdoors This Weekend

The Marcel‑Lemieux Provincial Pickleball Championship will take place entirely outdoors for the first time this year, with twenty newly constructed courts set up in Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield, Quebec. The tournament runs from June 13 to June 15, 2026, and will move to the open-air setting provided the weather cooperates.

Organizers have prepared the new outdoor venue to accommodate the province’s top pickleball players while maintaining the standards of the annual competition. All twenty courts have been built specifically for the event, allowing participants to compete across a larger footprint than the traditional indoor facilities. The shift to an outdoor format marks a significant change for the championship, which has historically been held inside gymnasiums and community centres.

The decision to relocate the tournament was driven by a desire to offer a different experience for athletes and spectators alike, while also taking advantage of the summer climate in the Montreal‑area region. Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield, located southwest of Montreal, provides a suitable backdrop with ample space for the temporary courts and associated amenities. Event staff have indicated that contingency plans are in place should rain or adverse conditions arise, ensuring the competition can proceed safely.

Players arriving for the three‑day event can expect a schedule that mirrors previous editions, with matches organized by skill level and age category. The outdoor setting is expected to influence play, as wind and sun become variables not typically encountered in indoor matches. Nonetheless, the core structure of the championship remains unchanged, preserving the competitive integrity that has defined the Marcel‑Lemieux tournament for years.

Fans and families are invited to attend the matches, with the open venue offering greater visibility and a more relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor championship aims to showcase the growing popularity of pickleball across Quebec while delivering a memorable summer sporting event for the local community.