HONOLULU (KHON2) -- It's been the fastest-growing sport in Hawaii and the entire U.S. for the past three years. Now, pickleball is coming to the Hawaii Convention Center, which is hosting a big tournament. It's the latest boost for a facility that's enjoying unprecedented success. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The Hawaii Convention Center invested in 45 brand-new pickleball courts and is hosting its inaugural Aloha Pickleball Games and Festival this weekend. "I am so excited. Just look at this. It's amazing. We're excited the Tourism Authority and legislators have trusted me to buy 45 pickleball courts to put up here at the convention center, so we're thrilled," explained Teri Orton, Hawaii Convention Center General Manager. More than 150 employers prep for Hawaii Career Expo For Orton, bringing pickleball to the facility is a continuation of what's become a winning formula. She's previously invested in dozens of indoor volleyball, badminton, basketball and soccer courts. All of them proved to be a big draw for both local and national tournaments. "Pickleball attracts people from our age groups who want to eventually attract more visitors from the mainland they could come down and make it a pickleball vacation, come play a tournament and stay on multiple islands while you're here," she added. Pickleball will only add to what's already been a banner year for the convention center, which is enjoying it's most successful year since opening in 1998. From Pokemon to Made in Hawaii, nearly 250 events have brought in more than half a million attendees while generating nearly $400 million in total economic impact for the state. "Whether it's the Okinawan Festival, Honolulu Festival, the marathon and pickleball, we really just wanna open up this venue to our local community," Orton said. This weekend's tournament will only add to the center's success. "It's the best. We've done events in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Seattle all this year. This is the icing on the cake," said Scott Winters of Pickleball Management Group. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here "It's super exciting, high-quality, first-class cards. I got a chance to play on it. The ball bounce is pretty true. Best part is we don't have to get beat up by the sun," explained Elaina Paredes, Oahu Pickleball Association. Nearly 600 players have signed up to play in the event with a few spots for players still available. There will also be food, drink and clinics available for anyone who wants to come by and check it out.