Senior Pickleball Report

Pickleball for All Generations: How the Sport is Bringing People Together and Building a Community

Published

3 years ago

April 30, 2023

Daily News Staff

Life Time is the largest operator of pickleball courts with more than 500 and many more to come

CHANHASSEN, Minn. /PRNewswire/ — People of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have fallen in love with the fastest growing sport in America: Pickleball. During this National Pickleball Month, Life Time, (NYSE: LTH), the country’s largest provider of pickleball courts across its athletic country clubs, has become the hub for showcasing the wide appeal of the sport across generations.

According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, more than 36.5 million people played pickleball between August 2021 and August 2022. The fastest-growing demographic of pickleball players are those under the age of 24, according to USA Pickleball.

Pickleball Month Members Photo — Clockwise from the top-left: Ashley W. and Micah M., Laney J., Megan M. and Flynn M., Deepak S., and Gavin G.

“At Life Time, we’re seeing a stunning growth of pickleball across generations, from kids to grandparents. Everyone is finding joy in the game,” said Ajay Pant, Life Time’s Vice President of Racquet Sports. “We are thrilled to deliver this amazing sport to everyone and commit to building an ever-growing pickleball community across our athletic country clubs.”

The Generations: Laney J. (77), Megan M. (49) and Flynn M. (9): Laney, Megan and Flynn started playing pickleball a couple of years ago and are now hooked on playing the sport as a family. They started playing casually for exercise, but curiosity and competitive drive took over. They recently entered their first-ever pickleball tournament at Life Time Target Center and Flynn was named “prince of the court” for his enthusiasm and competitive spirit.
The New Professional: Deepak S. (38): After being hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2021, Deepak gained weight and needed to regain his lung capacity. He discovered the fun of pickleball by playing with friends and joined Life Time in Princeton, NJ. He now plays several times a week and has since taken part in tournaments. He’s also gotten back into shape and lost 35 pounds from playing. “I never thought I could lose weight through pickleball. I didn’t join Life Time with the goal of losing weight, but I eventually noticed I would lose a couple pounds every couple weeks.”
The Couples: Ashley W. and Micah M. (early 20s): After college, Ashley and Micah felt lost not having a fun, physical activity to do together. They discovered pickleball and now play at Life Time Crosstown in Minnesota three to four times a week. They also won a tournament at Life Time St. Louis Park and Ashley recently participated in a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournament with her sister for the women’s 4.0 doubles. “Our favorite part of playing together is growing both as players and people. We love practicing together because we can be honest about what we each need to work on,” Way said.
The Young: Gavin G. (12): Gavin has played pickleball for more than three years at various Life Time clubs in Minnesota. He started playing with his dad and enjoys making new friends through the sport. “Pickleball is great exercise. I don’t get much recess time at school, so I love playing whenever I have free time.”

Since early 2022, Life Time has constructed indoor and outdoor pickleball courts at a rate of five new permanent courts each week – many with viewing areas, stadium seating, and social lounges. As of this April, Life Time has more than 500 courts, intending to exceed 1,000 by the end of 2024. Life Time is the largest owner and operator of both pickleball and tennis courts.

For more information, visit the Life Time Pickleball website.

About Life Time, Inc.
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The Company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 34,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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Food and Beverage

White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025

White Castle’s House of Crave has the ultimate White Elephant gifts for 2025—from viral Crocs to nostalgic plush dragons. Find steal-worthy, laugh-inducing gifts that’ll win your holiday exchange. Free shipping Dec 10!

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2025

Hal Machina, Daily News Staff

Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff

White Castle crocs are just one of many items available at White Castle’s House of Crave online store. They make ideal white elephant gifts!

White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025

If you’ve ever been stuck staring at a gift table wondering which White Elephant present to steal, you know the struggle. The best gifts? They’re the ones that make people laugh, spark conversation, and get snatched up twice before the game even ends. This year, White Castle is stepping into the White Elephant arena with a lineup that’s equal parts hilarious and surprisingly practical. Their House of Crave online store is now stocked with holiday gifts that’ll have your friends and family fighting over who gets to take home the White Castle Crocs. Yes, you read that right. White Castle Crocs.

What Makes a Great White Elephant Gift?

Before we dive into White Castle’s offerings, let’s talk strategy. The best White Elephant gifts hit three key notes:

Unexpected: Nobody sees it coming, and that’s what makes it memorable
Conversation-starter: It gets people talking, laughing, or scratching their heads
Steal-worthy: It’s so good (or so ridiculous) that people actually want it

White Castle’s House of Crave nails all three. Whether you’re shopping for your office party, family gathering, or friend group exchange, these gifts deliver the perfect mix of quirky and functional.

Top White Elephant Picks from White Castle’s House of Crave

White Castle Crocs

Let’s start with the obvious winner. These aren’t just any Crocs—they’re White Castle Crocs. Cozy, comfortable, and guaranteed to turn heads at the grocery store or your next backyard BBQ. Perfect for the Craver in your life who takes their fast-food loyalty seriously. Why they’ll get stolen: They’re practical footwear with a sense of humor. Plus, Crocs are having a major moment right now.

Willis the Dragon Plush

If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember Willis the Dragon from White Castle’s kids’ meals. This plush green dragon is pure nostalgia wrapped in soft, huggable fabric. It’s the kind of gift that makes millennials and Gen Xers feel all the feels. Why they’ll get stolen: Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Plus, who doesn’t love a cuddly dragon?

White Castle Craver Casserole Dish

Here’s where things get unexpectedly practical. This casserole dish is perfect for White Castle’s famous Slider-based stuffing (yes, that’s a thing), but it also works for any holiday meal. It’s functional, it’s branded, and it’s the kind of gift that’ll actually get used. Why they’ll get stolen: It’s useful and funny. The best White Elephant gifts walk that line perfectly.

Annual Holiday Mug

Classic, festive, and perfect for sipping cocoa while you munch on Sliders. This mug is a no-brainer for anyone who loves seasonal drinkware or just needs another vessel for their morning coffee. Why they’ll get stolen: Everyone needs mugs. Bonus points if it becomes a yearly tradition.

More White Elephant Gold from House of Crave

White Castle didn’t stop there. Their online store is packed with dozens of other gift-worthy items that fit perfectly into the White Elephant vibe:

Pickleball paddle set: For the competitive friend who’s always looking for their next match
Classic tin lunchbox: Retro, practical, and perfect for packing Sliders (or, you know, regular lunch)
Beanies, bucket hats, and T-shirts: Wearable Craver pride for the fashion-forward fast-food fan
Beach towels and bathing suits: Because White Castle goes to the beach, apparently
Pint glasses and tumblers: Perfect for toasting holiday cheer or your next Slider feast
Tote bags: Practical, portable, and proudly Crave-forward
Friendship bracelets: A sweet way to commemorate your fellow Cravers

Why White Castle’s White Elephant Strategy Works

Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle, put it perfectly: “White Elephant exchanges are where personality really shines. The House of Crave has dozens of items designed to bring a smile, spark a laugh or make someone feel like the Craver they truly are.” And that’s the secret sauce. White Castle isn’t just selling merchandise—they’re selling personality. These gifts work because they’re fun, affordable, and totally unexpected. Nobody walks into a White Elephant exchange expecting to leave with White Castle Crocs, but once they’re on the table? Game on.

How to Shop White Castle’s House of Crave

Ready to snag your White Elephant gift? Head over to White Castle’s House of Crave online store and browse the full collection. With dozens of items to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your budget and your sense of humor. Pro tip: White Castle is offering free shipping on all House of Crave merchandise on December 10. Mark your calendar and save on shipping while you stock up on gifts.

The Bottom Line: White Elephant Gifts That Actually Deliver

White Elephant exchanges are supposed to be fun, and White Castle’s House of Crave delivers exactly that. Whether you’re going for laughs, nostalgia, or something genuinely useful, this lineup has you covered. So skip the generic candles and boring gift cards. This year, bring the Crocs. Bring Willis the Dragon. Bring the casserole dish. Bring something that’ll make people smile, laugh, and fight over who gets to take it home. Ready to win your White Elephant exchange? Visit White Castle’s House of Crave and find your perfect gift today. Don’t forget—free shipping on December 10!

About White Castle White Castle is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, serving hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business operates about 340 restaurants and has earned accolades including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine. Known for passionate fans (Cravers) and legendary team engagement, White Castle has been Great Place to Work® Certified for five consecutive

Source: White Castle Press Release – PRNewswire

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/