Quad Cities Classic organizers say tournament draws out-of-state visitors; council awards $7,500 event grant

Organizers of the Quad Cities Classic pickleball tournament told the Moline City Council April 8 that the event continues to grow, drawing hundreds of participants and significant visitor spending, and the council approved a $7,500 grant to support this year’s tournament.

Marcy Fosdick, who with her husband identified themselves as the tournament directors, said the Quad Cities Classic will run Sept. 11–14 with two days at Riverside Park and two at the Quad City Tennis Club. Fosdick said participation has increased from 230 players in 2021 to 419 in the most recent year; about 205 of those players came from out of state. She said the tournament generated roughly $153,423 in local economic impact over four days and that the organizers donate proceeds to local charities.

After Fosdick’s public comment, City staff recommended council approval of a $7,500 request from the special events fund to support the Quad Cities Pickleball Club’s tournament. Alderperson Finch praised the organizers for data and nonprofit partnerships and suggested they coordinate with the city’s youth commission. The council approved the grant unanimously.

What the action does and does not do The $7,500 grant allocates special events funding to help offset event expenses and promote visitor attraction. It does not create an ongoing city program or commit funding beyond the single fiscal-year allocation approved by council.

Next steps City staff will execute the grant and coordinate any required reporting; organizers were encouraged to follow up with the youth commission about youth programming.