NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Exchange, Louisiana’s first standalone Pickleball facility, prepares to open in early August 2023. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country and The Exchange will be the hub for all things Pickleball in New Orleans. The Exchange is a totally unique space in the city featuring six air-conditioned indoor Pickleball courts, an outdoor court, plus specialty cocktails, excellent food, and other games like ping pong and corn hole. One-on-one pickleball lessons, clinics, open play, and social and corporate events will also be available.
Pickleball may be a new buzzword in sports right now, but it’s not new! The game was created in 1965 by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell while on vacation on Bainbridge Island, WA. The two wanted to play badminton but couldn’t find the rackets. Instead they played with ping pong paddles and pickleball was born! The game is beloved by many different people because it’s easy to learn, quick to play, and only as competitive as you want it to be. Pickleball is a great sport for beginners and people of all different athletic abilities.
Pickleball is considered the fastest growing sport in the United States with approximately 14% of Americans 18 years and up having played pickleball between August 2021 – August 2022. That means there are about 36.5 million pickleball players nationwide! Opening in early August, The Exchange’s family friendly venue will be ready for visitors before August 8th – National Pickleball Day, which coincides with the Brees Dream Foundation’s “NOLA Pickleball Fest” on August 10-13.
Need to learn the game? The Exchange’s Head of Pickleball Operations is Certified IPTPA Pickleball Instructor Scott Robinson. Robinson is a dill-ight on the courts! He joins The Exchange after 25 years of experience teaching tennis. His tennis coaching experience includes working as the Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach at Tulane University, Assistant Tennis Director at Cross Gates, Head Coach Nicholls University, and Head Coach at Country Day School when the team won 3 state championships!
Robinson will direct The Exchange’s overall programming and teach private lessons, clinics, and junior programming, as well as organize leagues, ladders, and social events. His main goal is to make Pickleball fun for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or athletic ability. Robinson will be hiring assistant pros and coordinating with national guest pros to round out the teaching program at The Exchange.
