Sharp will serve up fan experiences, an immersive Sharp kitchen, appearances from celebrity chef Richard Blais and professional pickleball players at select tournament stops
MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA), the consumer division of Sharp Electronics Corporation is bringing its passion for the kitchen to the pickleball court as the Official Kitchen Appliance Sponsor of select Professional Pickleball Association (Carvana PPA Tour) events. Fans can catch Sharp at the Veolia Arizona Open in Mesa, Arizona, from September 14 – 20, and the Rate Las Vegas Open in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 28 – October 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.”
“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.”
Sharp is extending the spirit of pickleball beyond the court and into the kitchen, showing how its premium appliances help people of all ages and abilities gather, connect and create memorable moments at home. Through on-site engagements, attendees can rally together around friendly competition and the community that makes pickleball so special. During the matches, athletes can refresh and refuel with ease thanks to a courtside Sharp refrigerator.
Inspired by pickleball’s non-volley zone, known as “the kitchen,” Sharp will transform one of the sport’s most recognizable spaces into a fully functional Sharp kitchen through its immersive “Sharp In the Kitchen” experience starting Thursday, October 1, at the Rate Las Vegas Open.
Fans can step into the kitchen and discover live cooking demonstrations, interactive games, player signings and meet-and-greets with some of the biggest personalities in pickleball. Attendees can also explore Sharp’s star appliance lineup, including the Celerity™ High-Speed Oven and Smart Microwave Drawer™ Oven and more.
On Saturday, October 3, fans can catch a series of live culinary experiences led by acclaimed chef, restaurateur and television personality Richard Blais, co-host of FOX’s hit culinary competition series Next Level Chef and author of four cookbooks including the upcoming SAUCE LIFE on November 10, 2026. Blais will bring his signature energy and creativity to the Sharp Kitchen, where he’ll be joined throughout the day by some of pickleball’s biggest stars, including the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters, for a lively mix of food, sport and fan interaction.
“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 Richard 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 Anna Leigh 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.”
For more information about Sharp at the 2026 Carvana PPA Tour events and “Win In The Kitchen” Sweepstakes, visit SharpInTheKitchen.com.
About Sharp Home Electronics Company of America
SHCA is the Consumer Products Division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation. Sharp is the only Japanese brand in the U.S. to offer a complete portfolio of major kitchen appliances, designed around people and backed by a long-standing commitment to quality and reliability. Sharp’s kitchen portfolio includes its category-defining Sharp Microwave Drawer™ ovens, Celerity™ High-Speed Ovens, SuperSteam+™ ovens, and Sharp Carousel® microwave ovens. The company’s broader consumer portfolio also includes AQUOS™ TVs and Plasmacluster® Ion air purifiers. SHCA operates through three distinct groups. Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA) leads sales and brand strategy from New Jersey. Sharp Manufacturing Company of America (SMCA) produces cooking appliances in Memphis, TN and Sharp Services and Support Group (SSG) provides nationwide customer service, warranties, and technical support.
Sharp Corporation is named among the top electronics companies on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2026 while Sharp Electronics Corporation is recognized as a 2026 Best Places to Work in NJ for the sixth consecutive year. It has received multiple honors including the Globee Gold Award for Customer Service Champion of the Year. Learn more at http://www.sharpusa.com/.
Sharp, AQUOS, Carousel, Microwave Drawer, Celerity, SuperSteam+, Plasmacluster, and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About Carvana PPA Tour
The Carvana PPA Tour engages and amplifies fans, partners and pickleball communities worldwide by encouraging everyone to BE THE BEST.
Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is the only place to see pickleball’s biggest names compete for the sport’s most important championships and titles. The Carvana PPA Tour cements professional pickleball in the global sports ecosystem by attracting numerous multi-national partners, while consistently elevating the profile of pickleball globally via the sport’s largest international footprint. With a steadfast commitment to the greatest community in sports, Carvana PPA Tour amateur divisions attract thousands of players competing alongside the elite professional athletes at each tour stop.
Action from all Carvana PPA Tour tournaments can be seen live on Pickleballtv. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Press Contact:
Ally Schuman
ally.schuman@peppercomm.com
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SOURCE Sharp Home Electronics Company of America
