Anna Leigh Waters returns to the Big Dome for a December pickleball showdown.

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will headline “IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters” on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Manila.

Organizers announced the event on Thursday, November 5.

The program starts at 3:00 PM, with gates opening earlier.

The afternoon will feature exhibition matches, interactive activities, musical performances, and celebrity guests.

This is Waters’ second visit to the Philippines.

Her first trip came in mid-October, when she appeared at a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila on October 15, 2026.

During that press conference, she announced she would return in December.

Waters said the warmth and enthusiasm she found in the country made coming back an easy decision.

She said she looked forward to sharing the court with thousands of Filipino fans.

Organizers moved the event to the Big Dome after strong demand following Waters’ first visit.

“The moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric,” IAM Worldwide said in a statement.

“We quickly realized that an ordinary venue simply wouldn’t suffice.”

“We want to ensure that as many fans as possible have the opportunity to witness the world’s greatest pickleball player in action, live.”

The December event is presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide’s Global Sports Ambassador.

A pre-sale for registered IAM Worldwide members opened on November 5, 2026.

General ticket release begins on November 9, 2026.

Admission is free with the purchase of designated IAM Worldwide product packages.

Tickets can be redeemed at the company’s Head Office and authorized branches nationwide.

Waters is a multi-title champion ranked at the top of the world in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

She has been the all-time women’s pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was 15 years old.

She has also been the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder since November 2025, after eclipsing doubles partner and men’s world No. 1 Ben Johns.

She won her 200th career title at the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup last October.

TIME100 named Waters one of the Most Influential People in Sports.

“Pickleball is more than just a game to me,” the 19-year-old American said in a video release.

“It’s speed, focus, and endurance, all in one.”

“That’s why I am more than willing to support a community that values performance and wellness together.”

“Let’s celebrate sports, health, and the power of staying strong together,” she added.

Passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet Waters during her October visit.

She joined packed crowds in various Taguig and Makati sports apparel stores from October 13 to 15.

Pickleball continues to grow rapidly across Southeast Asia.

The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

It is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum is one of the most famous indoor arenas in Asia.

It opened in 1960 and has hosted boxing matches, concerts, and major sporting events.

This will be Waters’ first appearance at the venue.

The event is scheduled for December 9, 2026, in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Additional details about musical performers and celebrity guests have not yet been released.

Organizers have promised a full afternoon of entertainment beyond the pickleball exhibitions.

Fans and media are watching for the full lineup announcement.

The partnership between Waters and IAM Worldwide comes as pickleball gains mainstream traction in the Philippines.

Local tournaments and clinics have multiplied since her October visit.

Waters’ return is expected to draw even larger crowds.

The Big Dome holds more than 15,000 people for sports events.

Tickets are limited to product package purchases, which may affect availability for casual fans.

Interested attendees should check IAM Worldwide’s official channels for redemption locations.

The pre-sale period runs from November 5 through November 8.

General sale opens November 9.

Waters is the most decorated player in professional pickleball history.

She holds records across all three disciplines: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Her career titles total more than 200 as of October 2026.

She continues to compete on the Professional Pickleball Association tour.

The PPA tour includes events across the United States.

Waters is scheduled to play in PPA tournaments before and after the Manila showcase.

Her December schedule has not been fully released.

The Manila event is a one-day exhibition, not a PPA tournament.

It is designed to promote the sport and the IAM Worldwide brand in Asia.

The company has not announced whether this will become an annual event.

Waters’ first visit included meet-and-greets at sports retail stores in Taguig and Makati.

She also conducted a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila.

Local media covered the event extensively.

Photos and videos from the October visit circulated on social media.

Filipino pickleball players and junior athletes attended the events.

Waters spent time with young players during her October trip.

She emphasized the importance of sports and wellness in her video statement.

The December event will include interactive activities for fans.

Exact details of those activities have not been announced.

Organizers have said musical performances and celebrity guests will be part of the program.

No names have been confirmed as of November 5.

The IAM Worldwide statement did not specify which celebrities or musicians will appear.

Fans are speculating online about potential guests.

Some local artists have expressed interest in attending.

No official confirmations have been made.

The event is scheduled for the afternoon, starting at 3:00 PM.

Gates will open earlier than the start time.

Attendees are advised to arrive early.

Traffic in Cubao, Quezon City, can be heavy during weekday afternoons.

December 9 is a Wednesday.

Public transportation options include the MRT-3 Cubao station and jeepney routes.

The Araneta Coliseum is located at the Araneta City complex.

The complex includes shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants.

Parking is available but limited.

Organizers recommend using ride-sharing services or public transit.

Tickets are tied to IAM Worldwide product packages.

That means attendees must purchase a product package to gain entry.

The packages are available at IAM Worldwide’s Head Office and authorized branches.

No online ticket sales have been announced.

Registered IAM Worldwide members got early access starting November 5.

General access opens November 9.

The packages are described as “designated” product bundles.

Specific prices have not been disclosed in the announcements.

Interested fans should contact IAM Worldwide directly for pricing.

The company’s branches are located across the Philippines.

A list of authorized branches is available on the IAM Worldwide website.

Waters’ return to Manila has generated significant buzz.

Local pickleball communities are organizing group attendance.

Several Philippine sports brands have expressed interest in partnering with the event.

No additional sponsors have been announced.

The event is produced by IAM Worldwide in collaboration with Waters’ team.

Waters’ management has not commented on future visits beyond December.

The sport of pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

It has grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

The Professional Pickleball Association was founded in 2018.

The PPA has expanded internationally in recent years.

Pickleball is now played in more than 60 countries.

The Philippines has seen rapid growth in participation since 2023.

Local clubs and courts have opened in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other cities.

The Philippine Pickleball Federation oversees the sport in the country.

Waters’ visits are expected to accelerate that growth.

Her October visit included clinics and meet-and-greets with local players.

She shared tips and techniques with junior athletes.

Video of those sessions circulated on social media.

Many young players said they were inspired by her skill and approachability.

The December event will be the largest pickleball showcase ever held in the Philippines.

No previous pickleball event has been held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The venue is traditionally used for basketball, boxing, and concerts.

Hosting pickleball there signals the sport’s rising profile in the region.

Waters is the face of that growth.

She has been the No. 1 ranked women’s player since 2022.

She holds the record for the most professional pickleball titles of all time.

She surpassed Ben Johns’ record in November 2025.

Johns is her mixed doubles partner and the men’s world No. 1.

The two have won multiple championships together.

Waters’ 200th career title came at the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup.

She was 19 years old at the time.

She turned professional at age 12.

Her mother, Leigh Waters, was her early coach and doubles partner.

Leigh Waters was also a professional pickleball player.

Anna Leigh Waters has been featured in TIME100, Forbes, and Sports Illustrated.

She has endorsement deals with多家 brands including IAM Worldwide.

Her partnership with IAM Worldwide was announced earlier in 2026.

The brand focuses on wellness and health products.

Waters has said she values the alignment between sports and wellness.

Her video statement emphasized that connection.

“Pickleball is more than just a game to me,” she said.

“It’s speed, focus, and endurance, all in one.”

She encouraged Filipino fans to embrace the sport.

“Let’s celebrate sports, health, and the power of staying strong together,” she said.

The December event is expected to draw thousands of fans.

Organizers have not announced a capacity limit for the event.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum can seat up to 16,000 for concerts and 15,000 for sports.

Exhibition matches may allow for additional floor seating.

No official attendance estimate has been released.

Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early.

The pre-sale period is limited to IAM Worldwide members.

General sale begins November 9.

Tickets are available only through physical redemption at IAM Worldwide locations.

No online ticketing platform has been announced.

This may limit access for fans outside Metro Manila.

Organizers have not addressed that concern publicly.

Additional details may be released in the coming weeks.

The event date is December 9, 2026.

That is less than five weeks from the ticket announcement.

Logistics are still being finalized.