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The Rhythm of the Riverview: Where Country Heart Meets the Pickleball Court

There’s a feeling you only get when the sun begins to set over the East Valley: a mix of desert warmth, the smell of wood-fired pizza, and the electric hum of a community in motion. At Dink and Dine Pickle Park in Mesa Riverview, we’ve captured that feeling and built a home for it.

At Dink and Dine Pickle Park, we believe that leisure should be more than just a hobby; it should be an experience that stirs your soul. That’s why this February, we aren’t just hosting a few games; we are creating a three-day sanctuary of sport, music, and connection.

A Landmark Reborn in the Heart of the Valley

For those who have long called the East Valley home, our location at Mesa Riverview holds a special place in local history. Formerly known as the legendary Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill and the iconic Cactus Moon, this space has always been a beacon for music lovers and social seekers.

Getting here is a breeze! Whether you’re coming from Scottsdale, Tempe, or Gilbert, we are perfectly positioned right off the 101 and 202 interstates. Your ultimate weekend destination is just one exit away.

The Ultimate Presidents’ Day & Valentine’s Takeover

This February, we’re doing more than just playing games. We’re inviting you to be part of a three-day weekend that bridges the gap between the grit of the athlete and the soul of the west. In partnership with the Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), we are transforming our nearly 2-acre “sportstainment” hub into the Southwest’s premier destination for a Valentine’s Date Night and a Patriotic Presidents’ Day celebration.

Saturday, February 14th, isn’t just about Valentine’s or Presidents’ Day weekend; it is also the day of the Mesa Marathon. As thousands of runners cross the finish line, the celebration is just beginning. Since the marathon concludes literally right around the corner, Dink and Dine is the official “Unwind Zone” for runners, families, and fans. Whether you’ve just conquered 26.2 miles or you’ve been cheering from the sidelines, we are the place to refuel and recover.

We are taking the party under the Arizona stars with a massive outdoor festival stage and a sprawling dance floor where the boots will be moving all night long. For those looking to elevate their experience, our exclusive VIP areas offer the best seats in the house, paired with the smoky, bold flavors of a full-scale Patriotic BBQ. Whether you’re looking for a high-stakes cornhole or pickleball competition, a romantic date with a country twist, or the roar of the Daytona 500, your seat is waiting.

The Main Event Schedule

Friday, Feb 13: The Pro Am

Kick off the patriotic weekend with fire in your belly. We’re hosting the Pro AM, a high-energy tournament designed for those who play with heart.

  • The Vibe: A live Country DJ will be on-site, spinning tracks that keep the energy high.
  • The Experience: Explore our vendor spaces, grab a craft cocktail, and test your aim in our massive star-studded Pro Am pickleball tournament with MLB players in attendance.

Saturday, Feb 14: Country Hearts & High-Stakes Competition

Forget the quiet, cliché Valentine’s dinner. This year, give your heart to the music. CLN is bringing the spirit of Nashville to Mesa with a full day of live country music from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM. While the music will be legendary, the energy at Dink and Dine will be electric from the baseline to the cornhole boards. We are turning up the heat with a full day of competitive fire and festive atmosphere. As the sun sets over the courts, the energy shifts from the heat of the game to the soul of the stage. With a cold drink in hand and a local country legend singing your favorite anthem under the lights, the atmosphere becomes electric. Whether you’re here with a soulmate, a teammate, or your best friends, this is where memories are etched into stone. It is a full day of music, food, and the kind of laughter that stays with you long after the final chord.

  • The Mixed Doubles “Heartbreaker” Tournament: We’re hosting a massive Mixed Doubles Pickleball tournament featuring three distinct skill levels, ensuring everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned pros can get in on the action. This isn’t just for bragging rights. The winners will be walking away with cold, hard cash and premium prizes.
  • Jack & Jill Cornhole: Over on the turf, the bags will be flying in our Jack & Jill Cornhole Tournament. It’s the perfect way to team up with your favorite partner and compete in the ultimate game of precision and nerve.
  • The Talent: Four powerhouse main-stage bands and three acoustic soloists on the side stage.

Between the smash of the paddle, the slide of the cornhole bag, and the roar of the crowd at the outdoor stage, the energy here will be unmatched. Grab your partner, soak in the sound of guitars under the Arizona stars, and hit the dance floor. Whether you’re here for the cash prizes or the country anthems, Saturday is the ultimate date for those who love to live out loud.

Sunday, Feb 15: The Great American Watch Party

We wrap the weekend by trading the paddles for the pedals and by honoring two American icons: our Presidents and the Daytona 500. We’ll keep the competitive spirit alive with another round of cornhole tournaments and Sunday specials.

  • The Race: Experience the roar of “The Great American Race” on our massive screens with full venue sound that puts you at the finish line of NASCAR.
  • Patriotic Spirit: Celebrate the freedom to play, compete, and gather in a place that honors the best of the American lifestyle with our Arizona Regional Cornhole Tournament. It’s the perfect “cool down” to a high-octane weekend surrounded by friends, great food, and the best atmosphere in the valley.

The Rhythm of the Rotation

Just like a high-stakes cornhole tournament relies on a seamless rotation where, as soon as one game ends, the next challengers step onto the pitch, our stage will mirror that same relentless energy. The music kicks off with local talent Lacey Rashea, followed by Western Fusion Band. The signature blend of country, rock, and Western classics sets the perfect tournament atmosphere.

The music won’t stop when the acts take a breather. Instead, we’re keeping the spirit of the venue’s heritage alive with a band rotation that would make the old rafters ring. We are proud to welcome back the original Toby Keith’s house band, taking their place in the rotation to keep the celebration going well into the night. In a true nod to country greatness, former house band Left of Centre will be joined by local favorite Keith as Kenny, a premier tribute that brings the high-energy “No Shoes Nation” vibe directly to the Mesa Riverview.

But the party doesn’t wind down, it gears up. We are closing out the night with the high-octane sounds of Twice Baked, ensuring the energy peaks just as the final games of the day wrap up. Much like a perfectly executed “four-bagger” clears the board for the next round, these local legends will ensure the atmosphere stays electric, the dance floor stays full, and the transition from one set to the next is as smooth as a slide into the hole. Real country dancing between plays, because why should the players have all the fun?

Mucic Recap

1:00 PM: Lacey Rashea
3:00 PM: Acoustic Duo TBA
3:30 PM: Western Fusion band
5:30 PM: Acoustic Duo TBA
6:00 PM: Left of Centre with Kenny Chesney Tribute Artist
8:00 PM: Acoustic Duo TBA
8:30 PM: Twice Baked

“We are excited to be partnering with Dink and Dine for a weekend of fun and the opportunity to show case some of our local AZ Country bands.”

Cliff Willis
CLN Music Division

Secure Your Spot: Sponsorships and VIP Experiences

For those looking to truly elevate their holiday weekend, we are offering exclusive sponsorship and VIP packages designed to put you at the center of the action. Businesses and groups can take advantage of premium opportunities like the Event & Stage Sponsorship, which includes dedicated viewing areas, signage throughout the venue, and preferred seating for up to 16 guests with a $500 food and beverage credit. Individual and smaller group options are also available, including Gold and Silver Table Packages for four to eight guests, each featuring preferred VIP seating and substantial food and beverage credits. If you simply want the best view in the house for Saturday’s concert lineup, Bronze Standing Room VIP passes are available for just $50, granting you access to the dedicated VIP viewing area. These packages are the perfect way to experience the “sportstainment” of the weekend with elite comfort and style.

The Concept: “Sportstainment” Redefined

Walking into Dink and Dine isn’t like entering a gym; it’s like walking into the ultimate backyard party. We’ve created a space where “sportstainment” is real.

Located in the heart of Mesa Riverview, Dink and Dine is a massive 72,000-square-foot complex designed to be the community’s “ultimate backyard.” It’s built on the idea that every “dink” (the soft shot in pickleball) deserves a “drink” (and a world-class meal). Unlike private clubs, Dink and Dine is fully public no membership fees or exclusive “club pricing” required. It’s a “come as you are” venue where first-timers and pros alike share the same energy.

The Courts

  • 13 Premier Courts: The facility features 10 indoor, climate-controlled courts and 3 outdoor courts, ensuring the game never stops, rain, shine, or 110°F Arizona heat.
  • Stadium Experience: At the center sits a “show-stopping” stadium court, designed specifically for high-energy tournament finals and professional exhibitions.
  • Technology-Driven: Courts are outfitted with pro-level LED lighting and integrated video tech so you can review your best rallies or record your wins.

The Culinary Experience: Paddle Heads Bar & Grill

This isn’t your standard snack bar. Led by seasoned chefs, the menu at Dink and Dine moves with the rhythm of your day. At Dink and Dine, we know that your life doesn’t move in a straight line. Maybe you’re hitting the courts at 6:00 AM to clear your head before the office, or perhaps you’re looking for a midnight snack after a grueling three-set match. Because your passion doesn’t keep a schedule, neither does our kitchen.

Whether you are squeezing in a match before work, during your lunch hour, or unwinding after a long shift, we have a dedicated food source ready to fuel your play.

  • Morning: Fresh-baked scones, croissants, and artisan muffins made on-site daily, paired with high-end coffee.
  • Lunch: “Fast-paced fare” like the signature Park Burger, tacos, and hand-stretched pizzas.
  • Dinner: Elevated entrées like Grilled Pacific Swordfish, salmon plates, and steak frites, often served on custom wooden paddles.

More Than Just Pickleball

If you aren’t a “paddle head” yet, there is still plenty to do:

  • Yard Games: A massive turf area features giant Connect Four, Spikeball, and cornhole.
  • The Watch Party Hub: Over 25 TV monitors and a massive LED screen make it the East Valley’s premier spot for sports, from NFL Sundays to the Daytona 500.
  • Pet-Friendly: A dedicated dog park and pet relief area mean your four-legged family members are just as welcome as you are.
  • Private Events: With seven distinct event spaces (including the “Clubhouse” for up to 250 guests), it’s built for everything from corporate team-building to rehearsal dinners.

“We took the fastest-growing sport in the world and paired it with chef-driven culinary and top-tier entertainment. This isn’t a club; it’s a home for the entire community.”

Dink and Dine Manager

Why You Can’t Miss This

This weekend is about the stories you’ll tell on Monday. It’s about the feeling of a community coming together, the Cowboy Lifestyle meeting the Pickleball revolution. Whether you’re a pro-level player or someone who just loves the sound of a well-placed dink, you’re here for the atmosphere.

Don’t wait until the courts are full and the music has started. Visit DinkAndDine.com today to book your court for the weekend, check out our full menu, and pack your cowboy boots. Join us along with CLN, and let’s make this Valentine’s weekend legendary.

Last Updated on 01/13/2026 by Jodi Erpelding

About the Author:

Biography:

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!

CLN Community Sponsor

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