855 Million Dollars Need for New Pickleball Courts: Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, prompting calls for more infrastructure to support the sport. According to a report, the sport has increased participation by 223.5% in the past three years, with around 13.6 million Americans now playing. This surge in interest highlights the urgent need for additional courts across the United States.
Increasing Participation Rates
Novak Djokovic, a tennis legend, voiced concerns about the future of tennis in light of pickleball’s rise.
“Tennis is endangered, and if we don’t do something about it globally and collectively, they’re gonna convert all the tennis clubs into padel and pickleball because it’s just more economical.” – (Novak Djokovic)
This viewpoint reflects the growing trend of players transitioning from tennis to pickleball, which is seen as a more accessible and affordable option.
The report shows that younger players, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are heavily involved in the sport. Moreover, over 1 million individuals under the age of 18 have taken up pickleball, further emphasizing the need for more facilities.
Infrastructure Needs
The Kitchen Pickleball report reveals that approximately $855 million is needed to build new pickleball courts in the next 5 to 7 years. This funding would support the construction of 24,500 courts to meet the rising demand.
While the number of courts in the U.S. has increased by 55%, urban areas still face a 92% shortfall in court availability compared to the national average.
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Reasons Behind the Popularity
Several factors contribute to the growth of pickleball. The sport is easy to access and requires less expensive equipment than tennis. Additionally, it demands less stamina, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
High-profile tennis stars, including Eugenie Bouchard and John McEnroe, have also participated in pickleball players, further boosting its visibility.
Serena Williams, who retired from tennis in 2022, has been vocal about her support for pickleball. She recently shared her excitement about the sport, which is sure to delight her fans.
Future Implications for Tennis and Pickleball
The increasing popularity of pickleball could have significant implications for the future of tennis. If the trend continues, many tennis clubs may need to adapt to accommodate the growing interest in pickleball.
With substantial investments in infrastructure, the sport is likely to thrive, attracting even more players and potentially reshaping the racquet sports landscape in America.
News in Brief: 855 Million Dollars Need for New Pickleball Courts
Pickleball’s popularity has surged by 223.5% over the past three years, with around 13.6 million Americans participating. Tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed concerns about tennis’s future amid this growth, advocating for increased infrastructure.
A report estimates $855 million is needed to build 24,500 new courts over the next 5 to 7 years, reflecting the sport’s accessibility and appeal across all age groups.
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