The World’s Largest Annual LGBTQ+ Sports Festival Returns with the Addition of Pickleball and Sand Volleyball for a Total of 24 Sports.
LOS ANGELES, November 9, 2022 – The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) is pleased to welcome two new sports to the 16th annual Sin City Classic Sports Festival Presented by Lexus. The 2023 Festival, which is the largest annual LGBTQ+ sporting event in the world, will return to Las Vegas from January 12 – 15, 2023, including new competitions pickleball and sand volleyball. Hosted at the Flamingo Las Vegas, the Sin City Classic now features a total of 24 sports consisting of approximately 10,000 LGBTQ+ athletes and allies from around the world.
“Now in our 16th year, the Sin City Classic continues to grow and evolve. This year we see the addition of pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and sand volleyball, adding to the diverse lineup of competitions and events that the festival offers. We’re excited that the festival continues to expand and offers ways for all members of our diverse community to participate,” said GLASA Commissioner and Sin City Classic Co-Executive Director Dr. Jason Peplinski.
The festival also announced that nominations are now open for the second annual Ken Scearce Leadership Award. The award was created in 2022 to honor the memory and legacy of Ken Scearce, the Executive Director of the festival who passed away in 2021. The award recognizes athletes, leaders, coaches, referees, and other volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to promoting the value and importance of LGBTQ+ sports. Their participation, both on and off the playing field, inspires others within their organization and builds community. Their hard work and selfless commitment directly and positively impacts the lives of others. Nominations for the Ken Scearce Leadership Award can be submitted online by completing this form.
Each January the festival kicks off with the Opening Night Registration Party held at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Competitions and nightly social events then take place around the city, with the weekend culminating in the Closing Night celebration, which will be held at the LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl as a way to celebrate the weekend’s activities.
GLASA created the Sin City Classic in 2008 as an LGBTQ+ softball tournament meant to provide a safe and competitive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ athletes. Over the past 16 years, the tournament has grown to include 24 sports and approximately 10,000 athletes and fans. GLASA remains committed to creating the best experience possible for a diverse roster of dedicated athletes who participate and the fans and allies to come to enjoy the festival.
The Sin City Classic is proudly hosted at The Flamingo Hotel. Additional sponsors include presenting sponsor Lexus, as well as Caesar’s Entertainment, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Piranha Nightclub, the Los Angeles Dodgers, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.
For more information about the Sin City Classic or to register your team, please visit www.sincityclassic.org.