benson.023.JPG

Saints owner Tom Benson, center, and his wife Gayle Benson, right, drop in on quarterback Drew Brees and his family before the Saints first preseason game Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, against Kansas City at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The family, from left: Drew, Bowen Brittany and Baylen Brees. Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD 

Brittany and Drew Brees announced Thursday that registration is open for the New Orleans Pickleball Fest, to benefit the Brees Dream Foundation. 

The Brees first released information about the inaugural event in May. Now, participants can sign up to compete in the tournament. 

The event will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Aug. 10-13. 

The festival will feature 24 tournament-quality courts, live music and a celebrity exhibition match featuring Drew Brees. There will be three divisions of round robin play: women's doubles, men's doubles and mixed doubles for skill levels 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0+. There will be two competition brackets: open and 40 years and older. Registration is $90 per player. 

Featured matches will take place on a center court that will have grandstand seating and Kern Studio Mardi Gras floats for VIP viewing.

The Breeses hope to make the Pickleball festival an annual event.

The Saints legend credited his foundation staff for working with officials at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, the convention center, New Orleans & Company, Joola and The Kitchen for helping organize the event.

To sign up for the tournament, go here. For more information, head to nolapicklefest.com