Epicsode 73 PPA Challenger Series at Zero Zero Two: Fort Collins Pickleball, Event Growth & the Story Behind the Fracas

Epicsode 73 PPA Challenger Series at Zero Zero Two: Fort Collins Pickleball, Event Growth & the Story Behind the Fracas

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/fan_mail/new] Episode 73 kicks off our special PPA Tournament Series from Zero Zero Two in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Pickleballers Next Door went behind the scenes at the PPA Challenger Series: The Fracas in Fort Collins. In this first episode, we sit down with Neil Bellefeuille and Mike Zervas, two of the owners behind Zero Zero Two, along with Bri Seifert from Visit Fort Collins, who helped coordinate and support the event. We talk about what it took to bring a major professional pickleball tournament to Northern Colorado, why Fort Collins is becoming a serious pickleball destination, and how Zero Zero Two is creating a club experience built around players, fans, community, and high-level competition. The Fracas in Fort Collins was part of the PPA Tour Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA, held May 29–31, 2026 at Zero Zero Two, located at 4401 Innovation Drive in Fort Collins. The event featured competitive match play, spectator access, and a chance for players to compete on a national-stage tournament experience.  Zero Zero Two is one of Colorado’s newest premier pickleball facilities, featuring 17 total courts, including 11 indoor courts and 6 championship-sized outdoor courts, plus amenities like lounge space, recovery areas, a pro shop, café space, and technology-enhanced court experiences.  This is Part 1 of our PPA Fort Collins series, with more player interviews, tournament coverage, and behind-the-scenes conversations coming next. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Pickleball Terms & Slang Episode 72 Explained: A Beginner’s Guide for New Players and Longtime Players Learning the New Lingo

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/fan_mail/new] In Episode 72 of Pickleballers Next Door, we are breaking down the pickleball terms, plays, slang, and court language every player should know — whether you are brand new to the game or you have been playing for years and still hear new words flying around the court. Pickleball has its own language, and it can be confusing at first. What is the kitchen? What does it mean to dink, drop, drive, reset, stack, poach, or get caught in a hands battle? And what about all the newer pickleball slang like shake and bake, body bag, chicken wing, banger, Erne, ATP, Bert, and yes — even the helicopter? This episode is designed for beginners who want to feel more confident on the court, but also for experienced players who may know how to play the game but do not always know what the newer pickleball verbage means. We explain the common terms, funny slang, basic plays, and strategy words in a simple and entertaining way so players of all levels can better understand the game. Whether you are stepping on the court for the first time or you have been playing since before pickleball was cool, this episode will help you speak the language of the fastest-growing sport in America. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Episode 71 Denver Iconics Open Pickleball Tournament Recap - Jen Hamman, Mario Bosch (Denver Iconics Owners) & Former NFL Players Lamarcus Caradine and Jaret Smith

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we take you inside the exciting Denver Iconics Open pickleball tournament with special guests Jen Hamman and Mario Bosch owners of the Denver Iconics. We break down how the Denver Iconics Open is one of the smoothest-run pickleball tournaments in Colorado and talk about the incredible job Jen Hamman did directing her very first tournament. From player experience and tournament organization to the energy surrounding the Denver Iconics community, this episode gives pickleball fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host a successful competitive event. How Patty Gallegos was the one running it from behind the scenes.  We also chat with Denver Iconics social media manager Andrew about building excitement around pickleball events, growing the sport online, and connecting with the Colorado pickleball community. Former NFL football players Lamarcus Caradine and Jaret Smith join us to talk about competing together at the Denver Iconics Open, transitioning from football to pickleball, and how quickly teamwork and athleticism translate onto the pickleball court. These guys brought competitiveness, chemistry, and great personalities to the tournament. If you love pickleball tournaments, Colorado pickleball events, pro-level competition, athlete crossover stories, and growing pickleball communities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎾 Topics Covered: * Denver Iconics Open tournament recap * Pickleball tournament organization tips * Colorado pickleball growth * Former NFL players playing pickleball * Social media and pickleball marketing * Behind-the-scenes tournament operations * Building a successful pickleball community https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/ [https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/] https://www.denvericonics.com/ [https://www.denvericonics.com/] https://proalignsportschiropractic.com/ [https://proalignsportschiropractic.com/] https://www.instagram.com/iam_doctorc13/ [https://www.instagram.com/iam_doctorc13/] https://www.instagram.com/jeret_smith/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeret_smith/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Episode 70 Michael Zervas - Inside the Newest Pickleball Destination, Fort Collins

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/fan_mail/new] Join Pickleballers Next Door as we talk with Michael Zervas, one of the owners of zero zero Two, the newest pickleball facility in Ft, Collins, Colorado. How Michael and Neil Bellefeuille both serial entrepreneurs had the vision behind zero zero two, and how the massive new 36,000-square-foot pickleball facility is changing the game in Fort Collins, Colorado. Located in southeast Fort Collins near Harmony and Timberline, zero zero two features 11 indoor courts, 6 outdoor courts, a full pro shop, food and beverage options, tournament play, and a player-first experience designed from the ground up. Michael shares how they traveled across the country visiting pickleball clubs, listening to players, and studying what people loved, and what they felt was missing to create a next-generation pickleball club unlike any other. We also dive into the club’s unique design features, including the beautiful vine walls that help with sound reduction while creating an elevated atmosphere and community feel throughout the facility. Plus, we spotlight the upcoming PPA Challenger Series coming to zero zero two on May 29th, 30th, and 31st. Learn how the Challenger Series connects players to the rapidly growing Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), pathway and why this event is a huge opportunity for competitive pickleball in Colorado and beyond. If you’re passionate about pickleball growth, club innovation, tournaments, entrepreneurship, or the future of the sport, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/ [https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/] https://ppatour.com/tournament/2026/2026-fort-collins-co/ [https://ppatour.com/tournament/2026/2026-fort-collins-co/] The Fracas in Fort Collins: May 29th to 31st, 2026 The Professional Pickleball Association is proud to bring the inaugural season of the PPA Tour Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA to Fort Collins, Colorado for The Fracas in Fort Collins. The tournament will be held at the Zero Zero Two pickleball facility in Fort Collins, CO, and will provide a showcase of the very best players in the region competing for prize and the chance to win a PPA contract. Come join us to watch professional pickleball in action right here in Fort Collins. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Episode 69 🎙️ Pickleballers Next Door - Adaptive Pickleball Fundraiser at Thornton Picklr + Colorado Pickleball Community Updates

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/fan_mail/new] In Episode 69 of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana bring you another fun and community-driven episode focused on the incredible people helping grow pickleball across Colorado! 🏓 This week, we welcome special guest Dawn Cerrone from Rocky Mtn Pikl to talk about the exciting fundraising event that happened at The Picklr Thornton benefiting Kids Adaptive Pickleball Play. Dawn shares how the pickleball community is coming together to support adaptive athletes, create more opportunities for kids, and make the sport more inclusive for everyone. Mike and Christana also briefly touch on the excitement surrounding ZeroZeroTwo.Pro, the new pickleball club in Fort Collins, and preview an upcoming full episode where they’ll sit down with the team behind the club for a deeper conversation. They also talk about the Denver Iconics draft, and how more details are to come.  This episode is all about community, inclusion, giving back, and the continued growth of pickleball throughout Colorado. 🎧 In this episode: * Adaptive pickleball initiatives * Kids Adaptive Pickleball Play fundraiser * Thornton Picklr community event * Rocky Mtn Pikl updates * Colorado pickleball news * Brief preview of ZeroZeroTwo.Pro in Fort Collins * Growing pickleball through community and inclusion If you love hearing positive stories from the pickleball world and want to stay connected to what’s happening in Colorado pickleball, this episode is for you! https://www.rockymountainpikl.com/ [https://www.rockymountainpikl.com/] https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/ [https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/] https://www.denvericonics.com/ [https://www.denvericonics.com/] https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/ [https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit  https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433153/support] Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor