Lincoln pickleball tournament makes quick pivot in preparation of heatwave

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The upcoming heatwave is expected to bring triple digits for Saturday’s citywide pickleball tournament.

“When you plan a tournament, you usually try to plan months in advance, and we all know in Nebraska, you can’t always predict the weather,” said Lisa White, vice president of the Pickleball Association of Lincoln.

Organizers made a quick pivot within the last week and decided to cut all afternoon matches.

“We quickly had to retool and think of some alternative solutions,” White said.

SEE ALSO: Matt Talbot extends hours amid rising temps in Lincoln

Despite the loss of half a day, the group was successful in figuring out a way that all competitors can still compete by adding a third park to host matches, Peterson Park.

Pickleball competitor Lance White said he needed to change how he prepares after learning his afternoon match would now occur in the morning.

He said his whole team needed to make adjustments.

“You have to decide who’s going to be where and who’s going to play who because it’s a team tournament, not just two individuals playing against each other,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Extreme heat and wind begins Friday

Heather Terry is an athlete who has run marathons in the heat.

She said she is contemplating competing in Saturday’s tournament, and if she does join, it she will prepare by watching what she eats and drinks.

“It can be really draining,” Terry said. “But I think as long as you are prepared beforehand and have eaten the correct things and drunken enough electrolytes, you can probably do pretty well for yourself as long as you’re prepared.”