Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA) will serve as the Official Kitchen Appliance Sponsor of select Professional Pickleball Association (Carvana PPA Tour) events, bringing its appliances and cooking-focused activations to two tournament stops.
Sharp will be at the Rate Las Vegas Open in Las Vegas, Sept. 28-Oct. 4.
“In pickleball, you’re supposed to stay out of the kitchen. We’re having a little fun with that rule,” said Grace Dolan, President of SHCA. “With Sharp, the kitchen is exactly where you want to be. Our appliances are designed to make cooking simple and enjoyable, and we’re excited to bring that experience to the Carvana PPA Tour with fans in a way that celebrates food, connection and community.”
At the Las Vegas event, Sharp will launch its “Sharp In the Kitchen” activation Oct. 1, transforming the sport’s non-volley zone-inspired theme into a fully functional kitchen experience. Fans can watch cooking demonstrations, participate in interactive games, attend player signings and meet pickleball players and other personalities.
The activation will feature Sharp appliances including the Celerity High-Speed Oven and Smart Microwave Drawer Oven. A Sharp refrigerator will also be available courtside for athletes.
On Oct. 3, chef, restaurateur, and television personality Richard Blais will lead live culinary experiences in the Sharp Kitchen. Blais, co-host of FOX’s Next Level Chef, will be joined throughout the day by pickleball players including the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters.
“If you know me, you know I’ve been obsessed with pickleball for a while now, so getting a chance to cook and spend time both in and out of the kitchen with the PPA’s best is truly next level for me. I can’t wait!” said Blais.
“As pickleball players, we spend a lot of time trying to stay out of the kitchen – so I love that Sharp is giving us a reason to get into one,” said Waters. “I actually love to cook. I’m excited to get back in the kitchen with Richard and other players, have some fun off the court, and give the fans a chance to see a completely different side of us.”
“Pickleball is about bringing people together and creating experiences that extend beyond the court,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder & CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “Sharp’s ‘In the Kitchen’ activation is a fun and authentic way to connect with our fans while celebrating the passion, community and shared moments that make pickleball so special. We’re excited to welcome Sharp to the Carvana PPA Tour and bring this unique experience to life in Las Vegas.”
Information about Sharp’s participation in the 2026 Carvana PPA Tour events and the “Win In The Kitchen” Sweepstakes is available at SharpInTheKitchen.com.
See also: The Future Of The Kitchen Is More Human Than High-Tech
