Pickleball Kingdom Arriving Portland: Pickleball Kingdom, recognized as the “world’s largest indoor pickleball entity,” is set to make its mark in the Portland region with two new facilities. The announcement, made last week, highlights the company’s ambitious expansion plans, starting with a new franchise in Vancouver followed by a second location in Portland. Founded by Ace Rodrigues in Arizona in May 2022, Pickleball Kingdom has rapidly expanded, with around 350 franchises now operating or in development nationwide.
Local Leadership
Gunn Robison, a University of Washington alumnus with deep ties to the Pacific Northwest, will spearhead the Portland-area openings. “Having grown up in Southwest Washington and starting our careers in Portland, we understand what a great community this is — one that loves to gather around sports and activities,” Robison said in a statement. He emphasized the region’s enthusiasm for pickleball and the impact of unpredictable weather on outdoor play. “The dedicated indoor clubs we will build will be a true gathering space for our communities to play, to have fun, and to compete!”
Historical Context and Professional Background
Robison also acknowledged the sport’s local origins, referencing USA Pickleball’s history that traces back to Bainbridge Island in 1965, thanks to late Washington Congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell. With 25 years in technology sales and marketing, Robison most recently served as a vice president of marketing at Microsoft.
Upcoming Features and Competition
While opening dates for the Vancouver and Portland facilities have not yet been announced, they are anticipated to feature “state-of-the-art indoor courts,” youth development programs, and professional coaching. The rapid growth of pickleball in the area has already spurred new ventures, including The People’s Courts in Portland and Jumbo’s Pickleball in Beaverton, which have launched within the past year.
News in Brief: Pickleball Kingdom Arriving Portland
Pickleball Kingdom, the “world’s largest indoor pickleball entity,” is expanding to the Portland area with new facilities in Vancouver and Portland. Founded by Ace Rodrigues in Arizona, the company has quickly grown to about 350 franchises nationwide. Gunn Robison, a University of Washington alumnus, will lead the Portland openings. With a background in technology sales and marketing, Robison highlights the importance of indoor facilities due to the region’s unpredictable weather. The new centers will offer advanced indoor courts and youth programs. The rise of pickleball has also spurred other local businesses like The Peoples Courts and Jumbos Pickleball.
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