Kearney, Neb. (Sept. 24, 2026) —The Nebraska Sports Council has announced that the final registration deadline is quickly approaching for the Nebraska NetFest Singles & Mixed Doubles Pickleball Championships.
NetFest Pickleball registration will close on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 11:59 p.m., with entry limited to a maximum of 12 participants/teams per division. The championships will take place Oct. 16-18 at the Kearney SportsPlex.
Athletes are encouraged to register now at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com, as entries will not be accepted after the final deadlines.
The tournament is open to players ages 16 and older and will feature Open Singles and Mixed Doubles competition across multiple skill levels. Competition will use pool play followed by a seeded tournament.
Entry includes competition, medals for the top three finishers in each division, a NetFest sports towel and random prize drawings.
Brandon Kircher of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, returns to defend his gold medal in the 3.0–3.25 mixed doubles division, this time teaming up with new partner Molly Kircher of Johnson Lake. Kircher captured the title in 2025 alongside Gayle Brownfield of Cozad, who will also return to the division this year with a new partner, Stan Vodelna of Johnson Lake. The division will feature both returning champions as they compete with new partners for another NetFest title.
Nebraska NetFest is presented by Visit Kearney and hosted by Kearney SportsPlex and the City of Kearney Park and Recreation. Contributing partners include AKRS Equipment / John Deere, New West Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Sukup / Ramco, Edgewater Insurance + Real Estate, The Chicken Coop, MCL Construction and Younes Hospitality.
Nebraska NetFest is organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
Platinum partners of the Nebraska Sports Council include FMNE Insurance, Grand Island Tourism, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.