Crush Yard Pickleball Eatertainment Expansion: Crush Yard, a sports and dining entertainment venue with locations in Charleston, South Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, has raised $2 million through a media-for-equity deal with Mercurius Media Capital. The investment provides access to MMC’s media network, including TelevisaUnivision and AtmosphereTV, increasing Crush Yard’s exposure across TV, streaming, and digital platforms.
Pickleball Meets Eatertainment
Founded and led by David Hack, Crush Yard combines indoor pickleball with classes, lessons, leagues, tournaments, dining, and event space. The venues host corporate gatherings, team-building activities, and private parties. Investors in Crush Yard include musician Wyclef Jean and Lyft co-founder John Zimmer.
David Hack said,
“These world-class media companies and partnerships see the upside in Crush Yard’s model. Our trajectory positions us to lead not only in pickleball but in the broader eatertainment space.”
Crush Yard plans to open a third location in Nashville and a fourth in Huntsville, Alabama, according to the company’s website.
Investment Strategy and Industry Growth
MMC founding partner Piyush Puri said,
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with over 36 million players, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing. Crush Yard isn’t just building courts; they’re building a brand and community with the potential to dominate the category. We look forward to helping them scale that vision nationwide.”
The media-for-equity model allows MMC to trade advertising inventory for equity stakes in startups. Launched in late 2023, MMC has partnered with multiple media platforms, including Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Pickleball Gold Rush Continues
Crush Yard’s expansion comes as competitors also blend sports, food, and entertainment. The Pickle Pad, backed by Indoor Active Brands, and Chicken N Pickle, backed by NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, are creating entertainment complexes that combine pickleball, dining, and social games. Chicken N Pickle now has 13 locations and plans to expand into hospitality and public court partnerships.
News in Brief: Crush Yard Pickleball Eatertainment Expansion
Crush Yard raised $2 million through a media-for-equity deal with Mercurius Media Capital. Founded by David Hack, the venues combine indoor pickleball, dining, and events. Investors include Wyclef Jean and John Zimmer. New locations are planned in Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama, as the company expands its eatertainment model.
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