Lakewood is welcoming a new indoor Pickleball venue at 3699 Industry Ave, opening on October 7, 2023. The facility boasts five well-designed courts, ensuring the game goes on from 8 am to 11 pm daily, rain or shine. Reservations are available at $40 per hour for each court, accommodating up to eight players, making it a perfect spot for a planned game with your squad. For those spontaneous players, a walk-in option at $15 is available, allowing you to join pick-up games. The venue mandates the use of indoor badminton shoes or non-marking shoes to keep the courts in pristine condition. If you're in need of gear, the on-site pro shop offers paddle rentals, ensuring you're all set for the game. For more details or to book your court, call 562-426-9299.

The advent of PB Vision, a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, is making ripples in the Pickleball community, promising to refine player skills and strategies. This innovation comes at a time when AI's presence is burgeoning across various sectors, marking its foray into the realm of sports. PB Vision extends an intriguing proposition: using AI to scrutinize and enhance your Pickleball gameplay, a notion that until recently seemed tethered to sci-fi realms.

Recent media coverage on pickleball's rise has taken a divisive turn, emphasizing conflicts and controversies. This negative portrayal not only tarnishes the sport's reputation but also fuels resistance among those averse to its growth. Such a narrative can deter community unity and magnify minor issues, overshadowing the sport's positive impact.

In the burgeoning world of pickleball, finding the perfect court to match your zeal is essential. Whether you started in a makeshift local court or have been playing in a club, knowing your options for a good pickleball spot is crucial. With the sport's exponential growth in the United States, new courts are emerging daily in various venues, from dedicated pickleball rooms in gyms to installations in condos, ensuring you're never too far from a game.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and The Tennis Channel are joining forces to amplify the reach and popularity of pickleball. The Tennis Channel will hold the rights to produce and air a majority of the matches on its platforms, and is set to launch a 24/7 free, ad-supported streaming channel, pickleballtv, dedicated exclusively to the sport. This collaboration coincides with the merger of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, marking a significant step in bringing pickleball to a wider audience and enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

Sources tell The Dink that tennis' all-time winning doubles team and global ambassadors, Bob and Mike Bryan, are in serious talks to sign a long-term deal with Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Pro Pickleball Association Tour (PPA Tour).

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, U.S. senators are laying down their legislative swords for pickleball paddles. The Senate pickleball caucus, including senators Thom Tillis, Shelley Moore Capito, and Joni Ernst, meets weekly to engage in the sport, setting aside political differences and fostering human connections. Amid the pressing concerns of federal spending and potential government shutdown, the pickleball court emerges as a haven of camaraderie and interpersonal communication, transcending party lines and promoting physical activity within the legislative community.

In response to the rising noise complaints surrounding pickleball, USA Pickleball is introducing a "quiet category" to promote and advance quieter equipment. Despite its booming popularity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sport's noise level, which is about twice as loud as tennis, has led to neighborhood disputes and court closures. This initiative by USA Pickleball aims to address these concerns by working collaboratively with manufacturers and facilities to develop solutions that will support the sport's continued growth while maintaining harmony in communities.

A devastating fire has obliterated the pickleball equipment storage facility in Memorial Park, Santa Monica, leaving the community in dismay. The blaze, which consumed all the equipment including nets, paddles, and balls, has rendered the popular pickleball location nonoperational. The authorities, while having extinguished the fire promptly, are in the midst of an investigation, considering arson as a potential cause. The incident has left many residents without a place to play, highlighting the significant impact on the community and the sport's growth in the region.

Austin welcomes the Other Racquet Social Club, a members-only pickleball facility that marries the charm of country clubs with the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The club boasts three tournament-standard courts, luxurious cabanas, a clubhouse, and a private dining area. As pickleball's popularity surges in the U.S., this club, opening its doors on Friday, offers a unique blend of exclusivity and sport, catering to the city's enthusiastic pickleball community.

This year, I’ve surfed on some unexpected surfaces. Sure, I checked off the usual water, but I also surfed on concrete with a surfskate, in an ice rink with a pair of blades under a board, and off a dirt hill on a mountainboard. In June, I was surfskating in Santa Monica when I skidded into ESPN’s airing of the Teqball tournament final. A cross between soccer, volleyball and table tennis, Teqball is played on a curved table that can cost more than $3,000.

In the dynamic world of pickleball, agility is your best ally, and the right pair of shoes can significantly enhance your performance on the court. Enter the Skechers Viper Court Pro, a shoe that promises not only to boost your speed but also to provide the balance needed to excel in the game. Retailing at $115, it features a Goodyear Gold rubber compound outsole, a TPU-based foam midsole, and a webbed mesh upper. The shoe is available in a variety of colors, catering to both men and women. Designed for aggressive movers in need of moderate stability and dedicated players seeking a durable, long-lasting shoe, it stands as a promising choice for pickleball enthusiasts.

Larks Entertainment is betting big on shuffleboard as the next 'eatertainment' sensation, with plans to open a sprawling 25,000 square feet venue in Fairview Town Center, near U.S. 75. The Southlake-based company is venturing into a market where pickleball has been reigning supreme, to test the waters for shuffleboard's potential success. Slated to open in December, the venue will house a cocktail bar, restaurant, shuffleboard courts, and other nostalgic games, offering a fresh addition to the community's entertainment landscape. The initiative is backed by Woodmont Co., which facilitated the lease negotiation for the space located at 351 Town Place.

In the ever-evolving world of racquet sports, a new contender is vying for the hearts of enthusiasts in the U.S. — padel. This sport, which originated in Mexico and has been a staple in Spain for decades, is making waves in the U.S., promising an athletically challenging and dynamic experience. As I step onto the court for the first time, the "BOOM" sound that resonates from the paddle striking the ball is both surprising and exhilarating, a departure from the familiar sounds of ping-pong or pickleball.

Pickleball enthusiasts, mark your calendars for a three-day pickleball extravaganza at the National Mall from September 28 to September 30. The Trust for the National Mall, in collaboration with healthcare company Humana, is setting up nine pickleball courts at the JFK Hockey Fields for free gameplay and clinics. Starting September 14, at 12 PM, players can reserve a spot to enjoy the sport that has rapidly grown to become a favorite in the nation. The event promises not only games but also clinics guided by pros from the DC Pickleball Team, catering to beginners as well as advanced players.

Pickleball players, there's good news for those suffering from the dreaded tennis elbow, a condition characterized by pain, weakness, and inflammation or degeneration of the wrist-extensor tendon that connects to the elbow. Researchers from the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital have discovered a cost-effective treatment using a simple rubber bar. This low-tech solution, priced under $20, was found to significantly reduce elbow pain and increase strength in a group of individuals who engaged in a specially designed exercise regimen using the bar.

After a period of uncertainty and a falling out that threatened to derail their initial agreement, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour have decided to merge. This development, which aims to unify the sport and foster robust business opportunities, is supported by a substantial $50 million investment spearheaded by SC Holdings, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, and several MLP owners. The merger promises to bring clarity and consistency to the rapidly growing professional pickleball landscape, offering both players and fans a unified organization that encompasses the strengths of both leagues.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has voiced concerns over the name of the newly formed National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA), citing potential trademark infringement. The NCPA, founded by 22-year-old Noah Suemnick, aims to unify pickleball and college sports, planning its inaugural tournament in San Diego this March. The NCAA, which hasn't sanctioned pickleball as an official sport, fears the similarity between the acronyms could foster confusion and unfair competition.

Pickleball, the sport that has been sweeping the nation for the past five years, is not just a game; it's a booming market with a promising future for investors. The sport has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, with over 48 million U.S. adults trying their hand at pickleball in the last year. This surge has brought forth a plethora of opportunities in various sectors, including equipment manufacturing, apparel production, and e-commerce platforms. Here, we delve into three stocks that stand to benefit significantly from the pickleball boom.