Frequently Asked Questions
DUPR & Pickleball Den Support
The Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships partners with Pickleball Den as its exclusive tournament software and DUPR as its exclusive rating system for evaluating and seeding players. To participate, players must have a DUPR account, which can be created for free. Please review our FAQ below.
When will scores from the US Open be uploaded to DUPR?
Scores are uploaded once the Tournament Desk has verified every result — usually within about a week after the event ends. Please allow some extra time for DUPR to process them.
How do I create my free DUPR account?
Sign up at dupr.com or download the DUPR app for iOS or Android. The account is free and takes a couple of minutes to create.
How do I connect my Pickleball Den account with DUPR?
Log in to Pickleball Den, open the Account section and link your DUPR ID. Once connected, your rating shows on your player profile and is used for registration.
How does it work?
DUPR calculates a rating from 2.000 to 8.000 based on your match results — the score, who you played and their level. Every recorded match updates your rating.
Why is the US Open using it to evaluate players?
DUPR gives the tournament one consistent and transparent way to place and seed thousands of players, so every bracket is as fair and competitive as possible.
How will this impact the competition?
Players are placed and seeded by an objective rating instead of self-assessment, which means closer, more competitive matches at every level.
What event level should I enter based on my DUPR rating?
Enter the level that matches your DUPR rating at the time of registration. Players without a rating may self-rate — every registration is reviewed by the tournament team.
How do I create my free Pickleball Den account?
Go to pickleballden.com and sign up for free. Pickleball Den is the platform that runs the Player Lottery and tournament registration.
What is DUPR?
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is a global rating system that places every player on one scale from 2.000 to 8.000, based on real match results.
How do I get a rating?
Create a free account at dupr.com or in the DUPR app and record your matches. A single match is enough to generate your first rating.
Will this change the lottery system or process to sign up?
No. The lottery works the same way — the only new requirement is a free DUPR account linked to your Pickleball Den profile.
How does DUPR help to prevent sandbagging?
Ratings come from actual results, so players who enter below their real level are easy to spot. The tournament committee can flag them and move them to the correct division.
Championship & Tournament
Find everything you need to know about tournament formats, lottery registration rules, refereeing protocols, venue policies, and scheduling.
What format will the tournament follow?
Most events follow a double-elimination format. Winners continue to play for gold, and the consolation bracket will play for bronze. The pro events will play each event until the semifinals. Semifinals will then be played Friday and Championships on Saturday. Split Age Pro will use a single elimination format.
What are the Junior Championships?
A dedicated championship for the top junior players, 16 and under, played during the opening weekend of the US Open. The US Open determined the divisions will be by skill level instead of age given the depth of field of the junior divisions. The skill levels are 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0. Juniors who are 4.5 and above are encouraged to play the youngest Amateur divisions.
Do both partners need to register?
Yes. For doubles, both partners must be registered and paid — otherwise the team is not eligible for the Player Lottery.
Will all matches have referees?
Yes, all matches are refereed. Weather or schedule delays can occasionally affect referee availability.
Where do I register?
Registration runs through the Player Lottery on Pickleball Den.
When are the semifinals and finals played?
Pro events are played through the semifinals on Friday, with championship matches on Saturday.
When does the ticket lottery open?
The ticket lottery opens in early February and stays open for about five days. Exact dates are announced on the Tickets page.
Which vendors will be at the event?
The Vendor Village features top pickleball brands, apparel, equipment and food. The full list is published closer to the event.
How do you keep fans cool?
Water misters are placed around the grounds, along with hydration stations, shaded seating and a first aid station.
How is scoring determined?
Matches are best 2 out of 3 games, played to 11, win by 2. Consolation matches are a single game to 15, win by 2.
Who is eligible to play?
Players aged 16 and under. Juniors are seeded by their DUPR rating.
How are skill and age determined for a team?
A team plays in the age bracket of its youngest player and at the skill level of its highest-rated player.
How do I sign up to referee?
Apply on the Volunteer | Referee page. The team will follow up with shift details before the event.
Can I play in both Pro and Amateur events?
Generally no — players choose either pro or amateur events. Split Age Pro can be combined with age events in some cases.
When can I see the player list?
The player list is published on Pickleball Den in mid-March. Brackets and match times are posted closer to the event.
Does it matter when I apply?
No. The ticket lottery is fully randomized, so applying early does not improve your chances.
Is exclusive US Open merchandise available?
Yes. Official US Open merchandise is sold only in the Vendor Village.
What food is available?
Food trucks and concessions are on site, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
What is the difference of the Age Only divisions compared to the Skill + Age divisions?
Age Only events are for 4.0+ players and are divided by age only. Skill + Age events are divided by both age bracket and skill level.
When are the Junior Championships played?
During the opening weekend of the tournament, with gold medal matches on the Zing Zang Championship Court.
Can I enter more than one event?
Yes. Each event is a separate lottery entry with its own fee.
When will I get my registration dates?
Registration dates and payment instructions are emailed to players who win a lottery spot.
How many days does the tournament run?
We've expanded! There are now nine days of play at East Naples Community Park. The full day-by-day plan is on the Schedule of Events page.
Can I request more than one day?
Yes, you can request as many days as you like.
Can I bring a cooler?
Yes, coolers are welcome. Outside alcohol is not permitted under county rules.
Will matches be seeded using DUPR ratings?
Yes. DUPR ratings are used for seeding, and the tournament committee confirms the final amateur and pro seedings.
Are there discounts for junior players?
Yes. Junior players pay a reduced entry fee of $25 per event.
What happens if I don’t win a spot?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email, you are automatically placed on the waitlist for that event.
How many tickets can I request?
Up to 4 tickets per day Sunday through Thursday, and up to 2 tickets on Friday and Saturday.
Can I bring chairs or umbrellas?
Yes, as long as they don’t block other fans’ view of the courts.
How will DUPR ratings impact the pro draw?
Initial pro seedings are based on DUPR ratings and reviewed by the tournament committee before the draw is published.
Do past medalists get automatic entry?
No. Past medalists and first-time entrants go through the same randomized lottery and have the same odds.
What does a ticket include?
General bleacher seating on the Zing Zang Championship Court, first come, first served.
Are dogs allowed?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds — please clean up after them. Dogs are not allowed on the Zing Zang Championship Court.
What age do I register under?
Players register by the age they will be on December 31 of the tournament year.
Can I attend without a ticket?
Yes. Watching matches on the other 59 courts is free. Parking is $10 per day or $60 for a weekly pass.
Where do I park?
On-site parking is limited, so remote parking with a shuttle is available. Parking is $10 per day or $60 for a weekly pass, and proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club.
How do I find a partner?
Use the Player Connection Facebook group or the Players Needing Partners list on Pickleball Den. A replacement partner must meet the same skill and age requirements.
Are there restrooms and showers?
Yes. Restrooms are located throughout the grounds, and showers are available at the US Open Pavilion.