Corporate teams compete for prizes including VIP boardroom facilities, live entertainment tickets and court hire incentives.
A fast-growing sport is finding a foothold in Sydney’s corporate events scene, with a new pickleball competition in Darling Harbour positioning sport-led experiences as a platform for business networking, team building and wellness.
Business advocacy group Business Sydney has partnered International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) managed by Legends Global, and boutique operator House of Pickle to launch a 12-week corporate pickleball competition on ICC Sydney’s Event Deck.
The activation brings together corporate teams in an informal, social setting that blends light competition with relationship-building.
The competition was officially launched this week at Darling Harbour, with NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper in attendance. Speaking at the launch, Kamper highlighted pickleball’s accessibility and social appeal, noting its ability to encourage participation across age groups and skill levels while supporting visitation and economic activity in the city.
New engagement
Beyond the sporting novelty, the activation reflects a broader shift in how companies approach corporate engagement outside traditional meeting rooms.
Positioning the convention centre as “more than a venue”, Adam Mather‑Brown, CEO, ICC Sydney said: “The pickleball installation is a perfect example of how we can elevate the experience for event organisers, delegates and corporate groups… By transforming an expansive space into something dynamic and engaging, we’re opening up new opportunities for team building, wellness activities and memorable event moments.”
Susan Lee, A/Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW, added: “The addition of pickleball courts on ICC Sydney’s Event Deck will create a dynamic hub for recreation and connection in the heart of the city. Activations like these play an important role in shaping the identity and experience of a precinct and our vision is to create a connection between people and where they live, work and visit.”
Eyes on the MICE prize
Corporate teams compete weekly, with prizes ranging from corporate pickleball packages and access to ICC Sydney’s VIP boardroom facilities, to live entertainment tickets and court hire incentives.
The winning team will receive four corporate pickleball packages, each catering for up to 50 employees and valued at A$80 (US$57) per person, with a total prize value of A$16,000.
Second place will be awarded access to ICC Sydney’s VIP Boardroom for one day per month over three months, including complimentary full-day venue hire, Nespresso service, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for up to 20 guests, subject to availability and chef’s selection. The package is valued at $9,024.
The third-placed team will receive four tickets to four live events at the TikTok Entertainment Centre to be used within a 12-month period, with a total value of A$4,000, subject to event availability.
In addition, spot prizes will be offered throughout the competition, including 20 one-hour court hire packages complete with paddles, collectively valued at $A1,600, alongside drinks vouchers.
All participating teams will also have access to an exclusive event-only offer of 50% corporate pickleball packages.
Registration is open on the House of Pickle website.