Vilnius Strengthens Its Profile as a Sports Events Destination with Lithuanian Pickleball Open 2026
Vilnius will host the ICM Group Lithuanian Pickleball Open on 28 February – 1 March 2026 at SEB Arena, which features 28 indoor courts and is the largest indoor tennis complex in the Baltic region and one of the most extensive multi-court sports facilities in Northern Europe.
The tournament is expected to welcome players from at least six countries, underlining the sport’s expanding international reach and strengthening Vilnius’s profile within the European pickleball community.
Federation-Led Growth, City-Supported Development
Pickleball in Lithuania is being actively developed by the Lithuanian Pickleball Federation (LPF). As an active member of both the Global Pickleball Federation and the European Pickleball Federation, LPF not only strengthens the sport’s national structure but also integrates Lithuania into the broader international pickleball network.
The Lithuanian Pickleball Open marks an important milestone in this development, creating a platform for cross-border participation and reinforcing Lithuania’s role within the European pickleball movement.
“As pickleball rapidly gains popularity around the world – from the United States to major European cities – Vilnius has every opportunity to become a leader in the development of this sport in the Baltic region. A growing culture of active leisure, modern infrastructure, and the city’s strong sense of community create excellent conditions for the pickleball community to grow quickly here,” says Svajūnas Masilionis, President of the Lithuanian Pickleball Federation.
International stories are already emerging around the sport. Last year, a Brazilian player with Lithuanian heritage travelled to Vilnius to lead training clinics and compete in the Lithuanian Open, reconnecting with his roots through pickleball. His experience highlights how the sport is creating cross-border communities and positioning Vilnius as a meeting point for international players.
Infrastructure That Enables International Events
SEB Arena offers professional-standard facilities and extensive indoor court capacity, allowing simultaneous matches, training sessions, and spectator engagement – a key competitive advantage in hosting international tournaments.
Beyond this flagship venue, Vilnius has been steadily investing in adaptable sports infrastructure. The city has upgraded public courts, introduced specialised line markings to enable multi-sport use, and improved the accessibility of outdoor facilities to support both grassroots activity and organised competitions.
This flexible and scalable infrastructure model enables Vilnius to respond efficiently to fast-growing disciplines such as pickleball without requiring entirely new facilities – a strategic approach increasingly valued in today’s international sports event landscape.
Building a Recognisable Sports Events Destination
The Lithuanian Pickleball Open 2026 forms part of Vilnius’s broader strategy to diversify its international events portfolio and strengthen its position as a Northern European destination for mid-scale sports competitions.
With modern venues, a compact and walkable city centre, short travel distances, and competitive hospitality pricing, Vilnius offers favourable conditions for international participants and event organisers alike.
As new racket sports gain momentum across Europe, Vilnius is actively building a reputation as an agile and forward-looking capital capable of hosting both established federations and fast-growing sporting communities.
The Lithuanian Pickleball Open 2026 reflects not only the development of the sport in Lithuania, but also the city’s long-term commitment to becoming a reliable, scalable, and internationally attractive destination for sports events.