The National Mall of Pickleball will celebrate America’s most accessible sport and the game that serves all in the heart of the National Mall this September

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Trust for the National Mall, Humana (NYSE: HUM), and the Humana Foundation announced today that the highly-anticipated National Mall of Pickleball is returning to America’s Front Yard, the National Mall, for a third year.

From Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, 2025, the general public can experience a weekend full of pickleball programming, activities, and community with captivating views of the Washington Monument and United States Capitol. Formerly held at the JFK Hockey Fields, this year’s event will be located at 12th Street NW, just outside of the Smithsonian Metro Station, with an expanded footprint including 11 temporary pickleball courts.

The free, three-day event is themed “Moves That Serve,” which will celebrate the true and inherent nature of pickleball – a welcoming game that is inclusive, accessible, and fun for all.

As America’s fastest growing sport for the fourth year in a row, communities and individuals continue to prioritize their time on the court as they experience the positive impact it has on their mental, emotional and physical health. This year’s event will have dedicated programming that will bring these positive impacts to life through activities such as on-site pickleball lessons and clinics with pickleball pros, opportunities for walk on play, and advance court sign-ups.

“At Humana, we strive to create experiences and opportunities for seniors to live more connected, healthy lives,” said David Dintenfass, President of Enterprise Growth at Humana. “Since our first National Mall of Pickleball in 2023, we have seen firsthand the remarkable impact that this sport has on communities–especially seniors. We look forward to seeing new and familiar picklers of all ages join us for a weekend of reflecting in this symbolic space and embodying what it means to make positive moves that serve.”

The Trust for the National Mall, Humana and the Humana Foundation are partnering to create this dynamic experience to preserve and protect the National Mall for future generations. For over 100 years, Americans have gathered on the National Mall to play, learn, dream, and connect across cultures and generations. Ahead of America’s Semiquincentennial in July 2026, the event will help raise awareness and celebrate the National Mall as an iconic open space where people can gather to reflect on the National Mall and its history and meaning in our nation.

"We are thrilled to join our partners, Humana and the Humana Foundation to bring the National Mall of Pickleball back for its third year at new location in the heart of the National Mall,” said Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. “As America’s Front Yard and most iconic public space, the National Mall inspires community and connection, and this unique event draws thousands together, fostering health, wellness, and friendship."

To demonstrate the power of connection, the Trust is once again searching for America’s Ultimate Pickleball Duos – pairs of picklers who have a passion for pickleball and the sense of community it brings. Duos will have until August 15, 2025, to submit their stories that highlight the role pickleball has served in their lives for a chance to play on Center Court in the Ultimate Duo Tournament at the 2025 National Mall of Pickleball. Eight duos will be selected from across the country to win an all-expense-paid trip to the National Mall of Pickleball. Winners will be announced in the first week of September. For more details and official terms of the contest, please visit NationalMall.org/pickleballultimateduo.

To learn more about the National Mall of Pickleball, please visit https://nationalmall.org/pickleball. Stay tuned for exciting updates on programming, schedule of events, special guest players and commentators, and to learn about when the limited number of sign-ups for court reservations and clinics will go live to the public.

About Trust for the National Mall

As the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan philanthropic partner of the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall. The Trust brings private funding, project expertise and in-kind support to help elevate the National Mall and its historic purpose, especially critical as we approach America’s 250th in 2026. The Trust raises funding, leads capital restoration and sustainability projects, mobilizes volunteer operations and provides innovative educational experiences to ensure the National Mall, with 36 million visits each year, endures as a vibrant civic stage for all. To learn more and to support our mission visit www.nationalmall.org, information@nationalmall.org, @thenationalmall.

About Humana

Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

About Humana Foundation

The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org

For more information, please contact:
Meghan Baumler
National Mall of Pickleball Media Contact
mbaumler@webershandwick.com

Source: Humana Inc.

Health Policy Center