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BLU CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS WITH THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE (AFL)

FOR FAN ENGAGEMENT AND LIVE GAMES PROJECTED DIRECTLY INTO THE METAVERSE

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SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Blu Canary Capital, a global advisory and fund management firm at the forefront of the regulated digital securities world, is delighted to announce that it is partnering with the re-formed Arena Football League to support the creation of a loyalty app and virtual digital stadiums for live volumetrically projected games with immersive entertainment and shopping experiences. Blu Canary will also work with the AFL to structure fan-oriented financings on the individual team and league level.

Phil Larmon of Blu Canary stated, “This represents the next stage in the evolution of sporting experiences.”

The Arena Football League logo

On Feb 1st, 2023, the AFL announced its launch under Commissioner Lee Hutton III, historically significant as Lee is recognized as the first Black Commissioner to spearhead a professional sports league in the United States. Lee is joined by Co-Owner and Deputy Commissioner Travelle Gaines and Co-Owner and President of Entertainment Tuo Clark.

Said Lee, “We envisioned executing on the old saying ‘Bigger and Better,’ but this time, we wanted to incorporate the components of a modern-day business – streaming, betting, technology, virtual reality, and immersive fan engagement mixed with good old-fashioned iron-man football. Our partnership with Blu Canary Capital and their entertainment subsidiary, NU 3RA Studios, allows us to execute on this vision and much more.”

The AFL is set to relaunch in 2024, with 16 regional teams playing 10 regular season games before post-season play. Games will be played live in local arenas while being projected into the metaverse to a truly global audience.

This will be the first time a professional sports league has made games available to global audiences through the metaverse. Without capacity constraints and real, up close, immersive viewing, we anticipate rapid growth in the audience for this sport. Especially given the entry into the Olympics of flag football.

Blu Canary is building on the foundation laid by security token pioneers and applying a third dimension to the emerging world of Web3 and decentralized finance. This approach will open up access to early-stage investments in a wide range of innovative companies.

Rory Rawlings, Blu Canary CEO, explains, “We are excited to partner with The AFL because their business model is perfectly designed to take advantage of the third dimension for security tokens–what we call Insumer ownership. Fans want more. They want to be investors as well as consumers. Proof of ownership via a synced wallet in the metaverse and real life will offer new ways to reward your fan base and improve retention.”

Blu Canary helps companies with large audiences and “tribal power” raise money through SEC-regulated digital securities. The firm assists in structuring the offerings and works with regulated partners to manage registration, when appropriate, with the SEC. This ensures the STO is fully compliant with the latest security regulations and KYC/AML requirements.

NU 3RA will partner with XMANNA Software Technologies Inc. and others to create a custom loyalty app and digital venue for the AFL games. They will also expect to host live concerts that will occur in-stadium and be live streamed into the AFL metaverse, boosting the entertainment value of every event. Within this metaverse, AFL fans will be able to stroll between stadiums, catching simultaneous games. Enjoy live concerts, purchase digital and real merchandise, and interact with players and coaches. It’s sport like you’ve never experienced before.

Phil Larmon, Head of Business Development for Blu Canary stated, “This represents the next stage in the evolution of sporting experiences, now folks will be able to immerse themselves not only in action-packed live games but also in distinct virtual experiences that will seamlessly bridge both worlds. These groundbreaking advancements truly revolutionize the way we perceive sports; as local and regional events will gain access to both global appeal and sponsors, for the ever-growing and connected community of sports enthusiasts.”

Daya Fernandez, CEO of NU 3RA Studios added, “Can you imagine watching 2 games in 2 cities simultaneously with your friend sitting next to you in a metaverse stadium…Meanwhile in real life you are each lying on your own couch, in your own living room, in totally different countries? We are making it a reality, and are excited to introduce to the world the future of sports and entertainment”

About Blu Canary
Blu Canary is the world’s first full-service advisory and fund management firm specializing in the third dimension of digital assets for insumers in the new world of regulated digital securities. We provide products and services that unlock the advantages of 21st-century capital markets.

About NU 3RA Studios
Nu 3ra Studios is a research and development studio that specializes in creating immersive, interactive virtual experiences merging the physical and digital worlds. From sport, music, entertainment, gaming, filmmaking, and content creation, our team works on creating cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible.

About The Arena Football League
With 30 years of history, the Arena Football League (AFL) is the most well-established indoor football brand in the United States with over 30 years of fan development and endless, unforgettable moments. The AFL is the highest level of professional indoor football in the United States and boasts over 100 million loyal fans worldwide. It is currently the second longest running league in the US. Under new ownership the league plans to provide both the players and fans with an experience that has never been seen before.

For more information about the AFL, please visit www.theafl.com and follow @OfficialAFL on Instagram and @OfficialAFL on Twitter.

Sports Contact:
Contact: Phil Larmon
Email: Phil@blucanarycapital.com

SOURCE Blu Canary Capital

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Pickleball Kingdom Coming to Canada

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ONTARIO, Canada, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom, the largest indoor pickleball franchise in the world continues its massive global expansion by coming to Canada. The United States based company confirmed its commitment to opening clubs in Canada, starting immediately with multiple clubs in Ontario.

Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, Ace Rodrigues, stated, “Canada gave us hockey and what a blessing that’s been. We’re excited to return the favor and export the fastest growing sport in the world, pickleball, to our neighbors in the north.”


Currently, Pickleball Kingdom has 140+ clubs built or being built out in the United States.  Additionally, early this week, the company announced its agreement with Franchise India Group to open clubs in Dubai, India, and Abu Dhabi, with the rest of the UAE to follow.

The Pickleball Kingdom experience extends beyond just courts. Members and visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including lessons, leagues, tournaments, and open play sessions. On-site refreshments fuel friendly competition, while a dedicated mobile app allows for easy court reservations and even captures video highlights for players to relive their favorite on-court moments.

COO of Pickleball Kingdom, Rob Streett, added, “Canada is such a beautiful country, but its weather is not ideal to play pickleball outdoors. We’re looking forward to offering Canadians a chance to learn and play the fastest growing sport in the world all year round.  Especially with their families.”

Pickleball Kingdom is now accepting inquiries from interested parties to get involved with the movement. They are seeking seasoned businesspeople who value the advantage that comes with being a first market mover. Those who desire to have a conversation with Pickleball Kingdom should submit their request through their website: www.pickleballkingdom.com/franchise.

Pickleball has seen a growth rate of over 224% over the last three years, resulting in an estimated 36.5M pickleball players in the United States alone. And remarkably, 45% of them say they plan on playing more pickleball over the next year, according to YouGov.

David Haynie, CPO of Pickleball Kingdom, commented, “Universally, the biggest complaint against pickleball is that there aren’t enough courts to meet the demand to play. Once our clubs are built throughout Canada, we will not only meet the existing needs but create an introductory path into this great sport for people who don’t currently play.”  

CEO Ace Rodrigues concluded, “We’ve had people from Canada visit Pickleball Kingdom ever since we’ve opened. And we have more than a few ‘snowbirds’ as members who are Canadian residents. This overwhelming demand expedited the decision to open up the country. Soon there will be Pickleball Kingdoms all over Canada!”

SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom

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PickleRage Expands Reach, Bringing the Thrill of Indoor Pickleball to Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — PickleRage, a premier indoor pickleball club franchisor, announced its plans to open another corporate-operated club location in Jacksonville, Florida. The 30,209-square-foot club will give the community access to a state-of-the-art indoor facility where they can play pickleball year-round. PickleRage’s expansion into Jacksonville signifies another milestone in its ongoing mission to bring the joy of playing the game of pickleball to communities nationwide.

PickleRage’s Newest Corporate-Operated Club Coming to Jacksonville, Florida.

Located at Avenues Walk near I-95, I-295, and Philips Highway, PickleRage at Avenues Walk is set to redefine the local pickleball scene with its cutting-edge smart courts and premium amenities. With its plan to feature 9 joint-friendly CushionX courts, superior visibility and lighting, and perfect year-round temperature and humidity, the club promises unparalleled playing conditions for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels.

“We’re thrilled to expand our footprint in Jacksonville and introduce PickleRage to this vibrant community,” said Chris Daiss, vp of real estate and construction. “With our advanced facilities and commitment to excellence, we aim to become the go-to destination for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels.”

More than just a pickleball club, PickleRage at Avenues Walk aims to foster a lively community hub. The club will give players of all skill levels the opportunity to connect while improving their gameplay through lessons, tournaments, and leagues. Alongside its top-tier programming, PickleRage at Avenues Walk will feature a court-side lounge where players can unwind and socialize post-game.

Strategically situated alongside prominent retailers including Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Haverty’s at Philips Highway & Southside Blvd, the club benefits from high visibility and accessibility. It is adjacent to the 372-unit Bainbridge Avenues Walk multifamily project and lies in close proximity to the Avenues Mall.

PickleRage is one of America’s fastest growing indoor pickleball franchisors that gives novice & advanced players alike a place to play and connect. With world-class social, tournament, and instructional programing, you can see why pickleball players across the US are calling PickleRage clubs “Pickle-rageous!” With more than 500 locations planned over the next 5 years, PickleRage is set to take the pickleball-world by storm. For more information, visit: www.picklerage.com

SOURCE PickleRage

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Boston Pickle Club Opens First Facility in Hyde Park

Local residents gain access to a new category of pickleball facility centered on inclusiveness and community

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BOSTON /PRNewswire/ — The city of Boston welcomes a game-changing addition to its sports and recreation landscape with the grand opening of indoor pickleball facility, Boston Pickle Club. As pickleball surges in popularity, the state-of-the-art facility will cater to the growing demand in the Greater Boston area.

Located at 91 Sprague St in Hyde Park, the 20,000 square foot facility boasts cutting-edge amenities for players including seven indoor courts, state-of-the-art lighting and premium court surfaces. Co-founded by esteemed platform tennis professionals Johan du Randt and Stephen Mitchell, and entrepreneur Steven Hauck, the trio brought Boston Pickle Club to life with the goal of creating an inclusive environment that is the ultimate destination for pickleball aficionados.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our inaugural indoor pickleball facility in Boston,” said Steven Hauck. “Pickleball is a sport that brings people together and fosters a sense of community. With the Boston Pickle Club, we introduce a new category: a membership-based club with diverse programming for all levels and ages and the best pros in the region.”

The facility opened its doors at the end of February and the activity is growing daily. There will be a ribbon cutting event held on Saturday, April 27 at 5 p.m. ET. The event will feature local Boston and Hyde Park officials and will be followed by a professional exhibition, where attendees can enjoy impressive matches with top-ranked professional players in Boston. Sponsors Skechers and Joola will be in attendance and all proceeds from the sale of Boston Pickle Club merchandise will be donated to Good Sports, a Massachusetts nonprofit that drives equitable access to youth sports and healthy physical activity.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for competitive play or a beginner looking to make friends and get a sweat, there is programming for you at the Boston Pickle Club.

Players enjoy:

  • Two membership tiers for individuals and families featuring benefits that include advanced court booking, league play, club championships, contract court time and members only events.
  • Private lessons with top professionals.
  • Level-based DUPR Open Play.
  • After-school junior classes for age groups ranging from 5-14+.
  • Clinics for varying experience levels designed to develop your skills.
  • League play for those eager to take on some serious competition.
  • Additional programming includes round robins, tournaments, camps, special events and more!

For more information about Boston Pickle Club and its opening, visit www.bostonpickleclub.com.

About Boston Pickle Club:
Boston Pickle Club is the premier indoor pickleball facility in Boston, located at 91 Sprague Street in Hyde Park. Outfitted with seven premium indoor courts featuring state of the art lighting and court surfaces, we provide our members an unrivaled pickleball environment. Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM ET. Learn more at www.bostonpickleclub.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Boston Pickle Club

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