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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.

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Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

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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

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

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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

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Support the show

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