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UNEXPECTED: Chick-fil-A releases pickleball line

UNEXPECTED: Chick-fil-A releases pickleball line

PLUS: The Picklr secures another $9 mil + Bocce ball is winning 50 & over

Good day, picklers.

Traveling around the States and visiting the most beautiful pickleball courts this great nation has to offer is quite the dream. But reality awaits, always.

This week, we are back at the Pickle Talk HQ, where we are tending to the things that are unworthy of our time but still must be done.

So while I have a few minutes of time to chill, I’d like to dedicate it to you, the reader. And update you on everything that has gone on in the pickle-verse this past week.

Let’s get into some pickle talk, shall we?

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

Pickle Talk: Chick-fil-A debut’s pickleball line
Bite-sized: Bocce ball is winning 50 & over, The Picklr secures another $9 mil, USAP’s new tourney offering announced
Golden Pickle: Unexpected Dubai + pickleball featuring the Burj Khalifa popped up out of nowhere

Let’s start off with a visually stunning banger, shall we? 😵‍💫

Hayden Patriquin turned pro at the age of 16 and, at the age of 18, secured the winning game point against the Johns brothers.

Those baseball swings sure did come in handy 😘

Let’s get into some PICKLE TALK

CHICK-FIL-A WITH A SIDE OF PICKLEBALL

“Welcome to Chick-fil-A. Can I get your order?”

Ah, yes. The apex of summer excitement is here, and as we put candles in the birthday cake to commemorate a birthday celebration, Chick-fil-A gives us something we would never expect but now need. Immediately.

Enter: The Chick-fil-A pickleball era.

With the launch of its new online shop, the team over at the juicy chicken shop deemed pickleball worthy of their summer collection.

Source: Chick-fil-A.com

For $70 bucks, you get 2 PP honeycomb/carbon fiber paddles, a pickleball, and a patterned tote branded with the Chick-fil-A logo.

check.
check.
check.

BUT, that’s not all. Here’s what’s also in the collection:

Source: Chick-fil-A.com

Yes. That is a waffle fry floaty. And yes. That is a chicken sandwich pool blanket.

2024 is officially the summer of chicken and pickleball, thanks to Chick-fil-A.

NEW #1 TAKES THE THRONE

DID YOU WATCH?

Just in case you didn’t have hours upon hours of time to watch the Select Medical Orange County Cup, I’ll fill you in.

In the case of monarchy and kings ruling over blessed lands, I’d say throne stealing would most likely get you the chop. But in the case of the pickleball monarchy, the King of Pickleball, the men’s double team in this case, has been dethroned.

For seasons now, Ben and Collin Johns have been sitting comfortably as the #1 men’s doubles team.

And for seasons now, Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson have bled pickleball blood, trying to knock them out.

Alert: They have completed the mission.

@ppatour

So what’s their secret?

From an observer’s point of view, you can tell Frazier and JW Johnson have been pickleball partners for some time now. The fluidity, the harmony, the balance. BUT if we are being honest here…their game was getting a bit dull and predictable.

The pair did great for awhile, taking more of a defensive position, allowing opponents to make the first speed up moves. A calculated move.

While a great strategy, it’s no secret that a smart opponent learns their opponent’s strategy and play patterns to take advantage of their weak areas.

So at the Orange County Cup, it is quite obvious that the 2 have learned their lesson and have gone on the offensive, increasing speed-up variations.

While there are many factors contributing to their winning title, I’d say that this new, unpredicted strategy was the key to their success.

Don’t sit too comfy, though.The Johns brothers are coming back for redemption to reclaim their title. No doubt.

BITE-SIZED PICKLES

1/ BOCCE BALL REIGNS: Bocce ball has seen a surge in popularity, particularly in Pacific Palisades, where over 900 people have joined the Palisades Bocce Club since its launch in June 2021. This growth is part of a broader trend in the U.S., with the game becoming an accessible and appealing social activity, especially among seniors.

Bocce's rise can be attributed to its low physical demands and strategic nature, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. The Palisades Bocce Club, emphasizing community over competition, has become a model for creating social hubs through the game, reflecting a national uptick in bocce's appeal post-pandemic.

2/ MORE MONEY, PLZ: The Picklr, an indoor pickleball franchise with NFL legend Drew Brees on board, just scored $9 million in funding, bumping its value up to $59 million. They've sold over 300 franchises in the last year and are set to expand to over 32 states by next year, aiming to be the biggest indoor pickleball club in the world.

By 2025, they'll have over 1,080 pro-style indoor courts and are getting a lot of attention through the PPA Tour, live broadcasts, and new gear launches. Plus, they're going global, with plans to open franchises in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.

3/ NOISE LAWSUITS: Five residents of Lone Tree are suing the city over noise from pickleball courts at the nearby Lone Tree Recreation Center, claiming it disrupts their peaceful enjoyment of their homes. They want the courts shut down until a soundproof structure is built, arguing that the noise, which can reach 62.1 decibels, exceeds state legal limits.

Despite pickleball's popularity, its distinctive popping sound has led to numerous complaints and legal actions across Colorado, including restrictions in Centennial and court removals in Denver. The lawsuit highlights the growing tension between the sport's rise and the impact on nearby residents.

4/ NEW TOURNY ALERT: USA Pickleball is rolling out its first-ever 2024 USA Pickleball Select Series, with five events lined up from July to October in Virginia, Alabama, California, New Jersey, and Colorado. CEO Mike Nealy expressed excitement, emphasizing these tournaments as great opportunities for members to sharpen their skills, whether they're newbies or seasoned players.

The events will feature round-robin competitions, ensuring a fun and competitive environment, with divisions tailored to different skill levels. It's all about bringing pickleball into these regions and giving players a chance to enjoy the game in diverse settings across the country.