WPH Handball Destination Series Showcases Missoula, MT
WPH Showcase, Missoula, MT
The WPH is excited to continue the WPH Handball Destination Series to showcase the world’s greatest handball cities and venues. On this edition of the WPH Handball Destination Series, we will feature Missoula, MT, home to one of the Race 4 Eight’s most popular spots, the Race 4 Eight Red Death.
Handball Courts in Missoula
4-Wall
The Peak – Five courts
The University of Montana – Two courts
3-Wall
No courts currently
“There is a movement to build two 3-wall courts at the YMCA,” stated R48 Red Death tournament director and Missoula handball leader Sean Sandau. “The handballers have raised nearly $250K for this project. The Missoula handball community feels fairly optimistic that this will materialize in the next year or two.”
Number of players
15-20
Top players in Missoula
John Chapman, Sean Sandau, Moe Johnson
Tournaments in Missoula
The Race 4 Eight Red Death honoring Red Jolliffe, featuring Men’s R48 Pro singles, in addition to age bracket and skill level singles and doubles. The tournament is a celebration of Missoula’s beloved handball ambassador Red Jolliffe and his love for bringing handball players together for an incredible weekend of handball, camaraderie, and fun.
Missoula is one of the great places to visit for a handball player, as Missoula boasts amenities that cannot be matched in almost any city. Missoula features a quaint downtown, a beautiful college in the heart of the town, fly fishing, skiing, hiking, beautiful views, golf, and of course, handball.
No handball player has ever left Missoula without a smile and great memories, as Sean and the Missoula handball community roll out the red carpet for all of their guests. The Missoula hospitality is second to none and all handball players are welcomed with open arms. The Peak features five beautiful courts, with the spectacular Blue Mountain trailhead just a half-mile from The Peak. The Blue Mountain trailhead is just one of dozens of incredible hikes in Missoula.
“I like that Missoula is set in the mountains on the river with lots of outdoor adventures right on your doorstep,” stated R48 #31 and Missoula pro John Chapman. “Missoula has a very health-conscious vibe with the best farmers market I’ve been to. I like the small town feel where you see someone you know pretty much everywhere you go. I like going to Griz football and basketball games, floating on the river through downtown, and enjoying the outdoors.”
“On behalf of all of our pros, staff, and board of directors, we are so grateful that Sean and the Missoula handball community welcomes us to the Red Death each year,” stated WPH Elite 8 pro David Fink speaking on behalf of all of his Elite 8 peers. “We are honored to help to celebrate Red’s legacy and so thankful for the generosity and passion the Missoula handball community demonstrates in growing our game and showcasing the pros. We look forward to traveling to Missoula every season.”
The 2024 Race 4 Eight Red Death is scheduled for February 2-4, 2024. Make your plans to attend now.
Thank you to Sean Sandau and John Chapman for sharing what they love about Missoula.
Would you like to see your handball facility featured on an upcoming edition of WPH Handball Destination Series? Please contact David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv to showcase your city
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer