Pickleball Factory and St. Louis Shock Collaboration: In a significant move to expand the reach of professional pickleball, The Pickleball Factory has partnered with the St. Louis Shock, a team competing in Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) Premier Level. Announced on Friday, November 15, this collaboration will bring professional events and high-quality facilities to Cape Girardeau, strengthening the sport’s presence in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
A New Hub for Pickleball Players
Under this new partnership, The Pickleball Factory will serve as the Official Southeast Missouri Pickleball Venue Partner for the St. Louis Shock. The venue will host a variety of co-branded events, including Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) Sessions, Shock watch parties, and tournaments. This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the growth of pickleball in the region, providing local players with opportunities to engage with the sport at the highest levels.
The facility will also play a key role in building a stronger connection between the St. Louis Shock and pickleball players in the surrounding communities. The partnership is expected to foster an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging recreational and competitive players to engage with their local MLP team.
Media Day and Official Launch
The Pickleball Factory and St. Louis Shock will host a Media Day on Wednesday, November 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Pickleball Factory in Cape Girardeau. This event will allow media members and the public to tour the state-of-the-art facilities and meet key figures such as Jeff Brune, president of The Pickleball Factory, and Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock.
The Media Day will also serve as the lead-up to The Pickleball Factory’s grand opening in December, marking the venue’s official entry into the growing professional pickleball landscape.
Major League Pickleball’s Presence in Cape Girardeau
This partnership is the first step toward bringing Major League Pickleball to Cape Girardeau. MLP features 22 teams across the country and boasts a roster of some of the world’s best players.
The league has also attracted major sponsorships from brands such as Anheuser-Busch, Margaritaville, and Skechers. With national broadcasts on the Tennis Channel and live streaming on MLP’s online platforms, this collaboration is assured to elevate the sport in the region.
A Bright Future for Pickleball in Southeast Missouri
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the St. Louis Shock and bring top-tier, collaborative pickleball events to Southeast Missouri,” said Jeff Brune, president of The Pickleball Factory.
“Our mission is to provide the best possible experience for pickleball enthusiasts, and teaming up with our league-leading franchise the St. Louis Shock allows us to create exciting opportunities for competition and community right here in Cape Girardeau. We look forward to welcoming players and fans to our state-of-the-art facility and being a central hub for pickleball in the region.” – (Jeff Brune)
News in Brief: Pickleball Factory and St. Louis Shock Collaboration
The Pickleball Factory has formed a partnership with the St. Louis Shock, Major League Pickleball’s Premier Level team. This collaboration will bring professional events, including Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) Sessions, watch parties, and tournaments, to Cape Girardeau.
The Pickleball Factory will become the Official Southeast Missouri Pickleball Venue Partner for the St. Louis Shock, providing high-quality facilities for local pickleball players and fans. A Media Day will be held on November 20 to celebrate the partnership and introduce the new facility ahead of its December opening.
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