pickleball and sports exclusive
Experience the Thrilling Pickleball Showdown at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – A Historic Event with Tennis Champ Andre Agassi and Pro Pickleball Pros!
“Witness the electrifying pickleball showdown with tennis legend Andre Agassi and top pros at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – a sports event to remember!”
On May 4, 2024, a historic event took place at Life Time PENN 1 in New York City. Tennis Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi, along with top-rated pickleball pros Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Bright, gathered for an exhilarating pickleball showdown. As the world’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball continues to captivate audiences, and this event was no exception.
Over 300 guests had the privilege of watching this exciting display of athleticism and camaraderie. Some lucky individuals even had the opportunity to play alongside these esteemed professionals. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered on their favorite players, basking in the thrill of the competition.
Bahram Akradi, Life Time Founder, Chairman, and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This easily goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.” Akradi, an avid tennis and pickleball player himself, recognized the significance of having these world-class athletes together. The event marked the opening of PENN 1 as the city’s iconic pickleball destination, cementing Life Time’s commitment to expanding access, enhancing programming, and building a community around racquet sports.
This goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.Tweet
Life Time has been making waves in the racquet sports world, exemplified by their appointment of Andre Agassi as the inaugural chair of the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board. Agassi’s involvement underscores the company’s dedication to fostering the growth of racquet sports. Life Time has also formed partnerships with elite pickleball players such as Ben and Collin Johns, who have created a series of instructional videos exclusively available through the Life Time digital app.
Since 2021, Life Time has become the largest owner and operator of permanent pickleball courts, boasting over 680 courts nationwide, with nine located in New York City. The company has also hosted multiple MLP and PPA tournaments, including their own Pickleball Classic. The May 4 event showcased the support from key Life Time partners, including JOOLA, DUPR, and lululemon, who have all contributed to the growth of racquet sports.
Life Time PENN 1, which opened on April 15, has already become a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts. With seven street-level pickleball courts, it offers a vibrant community for play, leagues, clinics, and tournaments for players of all skill levels. Life Time operates nine destinations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Life Time Sky has two indoor pickleball courts.
This event was a testament to the expansive reach of pickleball and its ability to bring people together. It showcased the passion and dedication of both professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. As the frenzy around pickleball continues to build, Life Time remains at the forefront, committed to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering a love for racquet sports.
For those who missed the event, a recap is available for viewing. To learn more about Life Time in New York City and their dedication to racquet sports, visit their website. Life Time continues to empower individuals to live healthy, happy lives through its athletic clubs and range of healthy living programs. As a pioneer in health and wellness, the company’s impact extends to people of all ages and is supported by a team of dedicated professionals. In addition to their clubs, Life Time also owns and produces some of the most iconic athletic events in the country, further solidifying their commitment to healthy living.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) is a company that operates over 170 athletic country clubs in the United States and Canada. They aim to empower individuals to lead healthy and happy lives. In addition to their clubs, Life Time offers a range of healthy lifestyle programs and information through their complimentary Life Time Digital app. Their services cater to people of all ages, from 90 days to 90+ years old. With a dedicated team of over 37,000 professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences. They also own and produce nearly 30 well-known athletic events in the country.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
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Senior Pickleball Report
Top Pickleball Holiday Gifts for Pros and Beginners
Find the perfect holiday gifts for both pickleball pros and beginners, with a wide selection of gear and accessories for this popular sport.
Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Pickleball Holiday Gifts
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for pickleball enthusiasts? Look no further! As “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re shopping for a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider gifting them a high-quality pickleball paddle tailored to their playing style, with options ranging from control paddles to power paddles. Don’t forget to consider factors like weight, grip, and shape. In addition to paddles, there’s a wide array of pickleball-related merchandise available, from apparel to accessories. This holiday season, surprise your pickleball-loving friends and family with the best gear and accessories that’ll enhance their playing experience and keep them entertained for hours on the court.
Discover an exciting range of merchandise by visiting the web stores of Sleeves SPR’s friends. From trendy clothing to stylish accessories, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out – start browsing today! https://sleeves-spr.store/friends-of-spr/
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Foodie News
National Pickle Day: Celebrating the Tangy Delights of Pickles
Celebrate National Pickle Day on November 14th, indulging in the tangy delights of pickles. Discover fascinating pickle facts and try different varieties! #NationalPickleDay
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Why did the pickle take up Pickleball? Because it wanted to be a “dill-lightful” athlete on the court! Just like the versatile and pickle-icious sport of Pickleball, pickles themselves bring a tangy twist to any dish they’re added to. So, whether you’re smashing shots on the Pickleball court or enjoying a pickle-infused snack, let’s pickle our way to fun and laughter! Happy National Pickle Day and may your Pickleball skills be as sharp as a perfectly brined gherkin!
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Senior Pickleball Report
Unstoppable Dominance: The Picklr Unleashes 70-Club Expansion with Proven Construction Giant
The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, partners with NFC Contracting Group to support ambitious expansion plans, targeting 70 new locations within a year. This alliance promises consistency and quality in facilities, reflecting pickleball’s soaring popularity and community-building efforts.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Strategic partnership positions North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise for unprecedented expansion
The pickleball boom shows no signs of slowing down, and The Picklr is making sure it stays ahead of the curve. The Salt Lake City-based franchise just announced a game-changing partnership with NFC Contracting Group, a move designed to support the brand’s ambitious nationwide expansion as it races to open 70 new locations over the next year.
With 52 clubs already serving players across North America and demand continuing to surge, The Picklr needed a construction partner who could deliver consistency, quality, and speed at scale. Enter NFC Contracting Group, a national general contractor with more than three decades of commercial construction expertise under its belt.
Building on Proven Success
This isn’t a blind partnership. NFC has already proven its worth by successfully delivering multiple Picklr facilities in Arizona, demonstrating an understanding of the brand’s standards and vision that goes beyond typical contractor relationships.
“As we scale across the country, it was critical to align with a construction partner who shares our vision and commitment to excellence,” said Chris Walker, Chief Development Officer at The Picklr. “NFC has already proven its expertise by successfully delivering multiple Picklr clubs in Arizona. Their precision, reliability, and alignment with our values make them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth.”
Why This Partnership Matters
For franchisees and pickleball enthusiasts alike, this partnership means something important: consistency. Whether you walk into a Picklr facility in Phoenix or Portland, you’ll experience the same world-class standards that have made the brand a leader in the indoor pickleball space.
NFC’s track record in large-scale, multi-state commercial projects positions them perfectly to support The Picklr’s rapid rollout. Their expertise in retail, sports, and franchise buildouts means they understand the unique demands of creating facilities that need to function flawlessly from day one while maintaining brand integrity across hundreds of locations.
“NFC strives for excellence, and our goal is to build these facilities with the quality and consistency that franchisees expect,” said Nick Crisci, Principal of NFC Contracting Group. “We know The Picklr brand and take pride in protecting its reputation while building strong relationships and supporting the success of every franchisee.”
Meeting Demand Where It Matters
The Picklr’s growth trajectory reflects the explosive popularity of pickleball itself. What started as a backyard pastime has evolved into one of America’s fastest-growing sports, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The Picklr has capitalized on this momentum by creating premium facilities that go beyond just courts—they’re building communities.
With professional-grade courts, comprehensive programming from beginner clinics to competitive tournaments, and a membership model that provides access to all club locations nationwide, The Picklr has positioned itself as more than just a place to play. It’s become a destination for anyone serious about the sport.
What’s Next
With 70 new clubs planned for the next 12 months and more than 500 locations sold nationwide, The Picklr’s partnership with NFC Contracting Group ensures that rapid growth doesn’t come at the expense of quality. Each new facility will be built to the same exacting standards, protecting the brand reputation while creating lasting value for franchisees and exceptional experiences for players.
For a sport that’s still relatively young, having infrastructure partners who can scale with demand is crucial. The Picklr’s decision to formalize its relationship with NFC signals confidence not just in the company’s growth trajectory, but in pickleball’s staying power as a mainstream sport.
As communities across North America continue to embrace pickleball, partnerships like this one ensure that players will have access to world-class facilities no matter where they live. And for The Picklr, it means staying at the forefront of an industry that’s just getting started.
Related Stories
The Picklr Official Website – Find locations, membership info, and franchise opportunities
The Picklr Franchise Information – Learn about owning a Picklr franchise
NFC Contracting Group – Meet the construction partner behind The Picklr’s expansion
Find a Picklr Location Near You – Sea
SOURCE The Picklr
More Pickleball News on Sleeves-SPR
Latest Pickleball Facility News – Coverage of new courts and venues
Indoor vs Outdoor: What Senior Players Need to Know – (Link to relevant existing article if you have one)
Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa’s Take on Pickleball’s Growth – (Link to Sleeves commentary/opinion pieces)
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