The Picklr’s Premier Indoor Facility: With pickleball rapidly growing in popularity across the United States, Central Illinois pickleball players now have a year-round facility to call their own. The Picklr, a Utah-based pickleball franchise, recently opened in the former Gold’s Gym Express on the east side of Normal. Adam Bell, managing member of The Picklr, described the location as the franchise’s first step into Central Illinois, with plans to expand to other cities such as Peoria, Champaign, and the Quad Cities.
“It’s supposed to be an all-inclusive club for pickleball enthusiasts. We thought this would be an excellent base to start our Central Illinois expansion, where we’re also planning for Peoria, Champaign, and the Quad Cities.” – (Adam Bell)
Community Support and Growing Popularity
According to Chris Kawakita, President of the Bloomington Normal Pickleball Club, The Picklr’s arrival is about more than just whiffle balls and courts. He emphasized that pickleball’s explosive growth is clearly evident, especially in Bloomington-Normal.
“It’s just speaking to the fact that the growth of this game has exploded; I mean, you see it all around the country, even the world, but especially here in Bloomington-Normal.” – (Chris Kawakita)
Facility Highlights: Designed for Pickleball
The Picklr’s 30,000 sq. ft. facility boasts nine pickleball courts, including two championship courts, a pro shop, and lounge areas. It is the first pickleball-exclusive social club in the area, offering local players a place to play through the winter months in a controlled indoor environment.
“We offer an all-year-long controlled environment where you know exactly the kind of play you will get. The courts are specifically designed to meet professional pickleball regulations.” – (Adam Bell)
Growing Popularity Among Young Players
Chris Kawakita and Adam Bell noted the sport’s increasing appeal to younger generations. Chris Kawakita, who started playing in 2020, highlighted that pickleball offers athletic skill and social interaction, creating a fun yet competitive experience.
“Pickleball is like this perfect combination where you can bring in the athletic skills from these other sports and have a fun and competitive experience.” – (Chris Kawakita)
The Picklr is set to officially open on Saturday, October 26, at 1503 E. College Ave, Normal, IL 61761.
News in Brief: The Picklr’s Premier Indoor Facility
The Picklr, a Utah-based pickleball franchise, has opened a new, year-round indoor pickleball facility in Normal, Illinois. This 30,000 sq. ft. club offers nine pickleball courts, including two championship courts, a pro shop, and lounge spaces. Central Illinois pickleball players now have a dedicated, pickleball-only social club to enjoy, especially during winter.
The Picklr plans further expansion across Illinois in cities like Peoria and Champaign. Local pickleball leaders are optimistic about the facility’s impact on the sport’s growth among younger generations. The pickleball club officially opens on October 26.
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