Renovation Updates
Please note some exhibit spaces in the Aquarium are temporarily closed while we conduct maintenance and renovation work. Learn more on our Renovation Progress page .

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Mascots Sandy the sea turtle and Speckles the spotted eagle ray play pickleball

Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is hosting its first-ever pickleball tournament fundraiser called Dink or Swim on Saturday, June 15 to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day and the Aquarium’s 38th anniversary. Registrants will play in teams of two at the Aquarium’s neighboring facility Pickleball Virginia Beach. The tournament is presented by The Oceanfront Inn.


There will be three round-robin tournament divisions, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. A free beginner’s clinic will be offered on Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. to get warmed up before the tournament. The clinic is free for participants but limited to 20 people.


Pick a partner and sign up for $150 per team. Registration includes a free drink ticket and snacks. Registrants will receive a complimentary commemorative t-shirt pictured with the Aquarium’s very own moray eel, Pickles. Each registered participant will be entered to win a Sharks & Sea Turtles behind-the-scenes tour at the Aquarium. Court sponsors are $250 and includes registration for a team in the tournament.


Proceeds will support the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to provide quality care for the Aquarium’s animals, offer educational programs, conduct research and conservation work, and operate the nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.


Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Interested players and sponsors can register at VirginiaAquarium.com.


Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquarium, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.

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