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TEAM PICKLEBALL dropped from $250 to $199," DiVito reports. Other in-demand paddle brands include Selkirk, Onix and Paddletek. Interestingly, noise dampening paddles, such as those made by Owl, are not especially popular. "In the beginning, vendors would tell us about their noise-dampening paddles, but consumers didn't really care, and not many people specifically ask for it," says DiVito. "Footwear and paddles are our strongest pickleball categories, espe- cially since many of our tennis customers are also getting pickleball shoes. Two years ago, it was all paddles. Now paddles and shoes are equally in demand." Although Runner's Edge/Tennis Anyone? would like to expand is pickleball selection, there is limited wall space to do so. "ere are tons of new companies and everyone is trying to join in. We're always on the lookout for new product, but we're very particular about what we carry. We love to go to tournaments and shows to see what's on offer," says DiVito. "Right now, shoes are a big focus, and we carry tennis and pickleball versions of our top brands." Although tennis players are loathe to wear shoes emblazoned with the word "pickleball," pickleball players love the distinction — but they also don't mind wearing tennis footwear. Keeping Quiet As pickleball courts have proliferated across the country, so too have complaints about the constant staccato noise of plastic balls being struck by paddles. In some communi- ties, people living near pickleball courts have become especially incensed, prompting the industry to seek solutions such as outdoor sound barriers, cushioned court surfaces that reduce sound, and of course options for sound-dampening paddles. In response, USA Pickleball, the sport's gov- erning body, introduced the "Quiet Category" last year. e initiative was unveiled with the certification of OWL paddles by OWL Sport, the first paddles to meet the Quiet Category standards. OWL paddles, which use proprietary Acoustene sheath technology, have been proven to reduce noise by 50 percent, delivering a hertz level below 600 and a decibel level below 80 (an 80-decibel level is comparable to a vacuum cleaner). In comparison, industry-standard pickleball paddles register 1100 to 1200 hertz and a decibel range of 85+ when striking a ball. In addition to creating quieter paddles, pick- leball R&D experts are looking more closely at the balls themselves, which are an even greater noise culprit. In the end, if a solution can be reached for the balls, it may not even matter what paddles players decide to use. Eating and Dinking Expanding on pickleball's appeal as a highly social game and building on the idea of "eat- er-tainment," a plethora of unique pickleball event venues is springing up around the nation. Here's a look at some of the leading concepts. CHICKEN N PICKLE. Founded in 2017 and based in North Kansas City, MO, Chicken N Pickle now boasts 10 locations (Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas), with six more on the way in Nevada, Nebraska, Indiana and Colorado. ese indoor/outdoor entertainment complexes have a backyard vibe and offer pickleball, dining and lawn games and have proven to be wildly successful as destinations for families, events and corporate outings. Chicken N Pickle's mission is to provide an atmosphere that fosters fun, friendship and community. Each facility hosts pickleball clinics, league play, professional and amateur pickleball tournaments, and social events. Charity is also important, and the chain's "Our Hearts Are Local" program focuses on creating philanthropic partnerships to strengthen the neighborhoods and communities in which the business operates. ELECTRIC PICKLE. In 2023, Electric Pickle broke ground in Las Vegas, NV, and Tempe, AZ. Since then, locations have opened in Roseville, CA; Katy, TX; and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and additional expansion is on the way. Each Electric Pickle location has 10 courts and full-service private cabanas for players to relax in between games. Guests can also take advantage of outdoor TVs and fireplaces, bocce and a 10,000-square-foot restaurant with an upscale menu. BOSSE. is fall, Bosse is slated to open in Natick, MA, in the former Neiman Marcus at the Natick Mall, becoming the largest indoor pickleball experience and dedicated pickleball facility in the state. e 97,000-square-foot venue will feature 21 pickleball courts, a variety of amenities and four restaurants. e venture is a collaboration between award-winning chef Chris Coombs and Bosse Sports founder and former tennis pro D.J. Bosse. PICKLEBALL KINGDOM. In May 2022, the first Pickleball Kingdom opened in Chandler, AZ. Aer a year of operations, the company was ready to expand nationally 26 • Team Insight ~ September/October 2024 teaminsightmag.com Pickleball Kingdom lays claim as the world's largest indoor pickleball entity through its franchising model across the U.S.

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