Pickleball is coming back to the National Mall

Free pickleball returns to the National Mall in September with pop-up courts, and everyone is invited to play.

Why it matters: America's fastest-growing sport meets America's front yard — a champion shot.

Zoom in: The National Mall of Pickleball spans three days (Sept. 27-29) and is free to play.

• The lineup includes on-site lessons, clinics with pros, walk-in and reserved court time, and a professional D.C. Pickleball Team showcase. Expect more details this summer.

What's new: Two new courts for more play. Plus, the Trust for the National Mall and Humana — which ran the event last year — are hosting an " Ultimate Pickleball Duo " contest, where pairs of picklers from different generations can submit their stories for an all-expense-paid trip to the pop-up.

But first , Major League Pickleball comes to D.C. for the first time this weekend with matches at the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation's campus in Southeast D.C.

• It's MLP's second event of the 2024 season and will showcase a collection of the league's 22 teams. Tickets start at $40.