Demo from pickleball pro Kyle Yates free to the public from 4:30-6 p.m. on March 5, 2024
Colorado pickleball fans have the opportunity to learn more about the sport during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, including a demonstration from resident pro Kyle Yates and instruction from local pros during the free open play from 5-6 p.m. on March 5 at The Picklr Loveland, 3137 N. Garfield Ave.
Renovated Pro Shop at The Picklr Loveland.
The event will allow community members to check out the newly renovated Pro Shop, offering an expanded selection of paddles, gear, supplements and other pickleball necessities. The remodel also created a locker room and individual changing rooms.
“Many of our players come straight from work and need a dedicated place to change and keep their valuables safe,” says Jim Lautenheiser, one of the co-owners. “This locker room provides that space for them.”
The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a demo from The Picklr Loveland pro, Kyle Yates, from 5-6 p.m., and open play, which is free to the public.
Pickleball is a professional sport. In fact, Kyle Yates–one of the partners–plays for the New York Hustlers Major League Pickleball team, was once ranked the number-one player in the world and is the reigning U.S. Open Pickleball men’s doubles champion.
Pickleball paddles
Yates believes the pickleball community in Colorado deserves more consistent and structured events. They have already put on several tournaments for pros and club members, with their next tournament scheduled for April 18-21 in Loveland. Colorado Pickleball ADA plans to provide more organized play for the state, including establishing large pickleball competitions that would attract out-of-state competitors and fans.
Pickleball’s recent rise in popularity has been meteoric. Once considered a pastime for older recreational players, the sport has been gaining traction with younger players. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, there are 36.5 million pickleballers in the U.S., and 70 percent of avid pickleballers are between the ages of 18 and 44. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports that the sport’s participation has increased 158.6 percent over the past three years. It is estimated that 25,000 new pickleball courts are needed to meet current demand in the U.S.
“I prefer to play on a quality indoor court to avoid the elements from wreaking havoc on my games,” Yates says. “It can be quite challenging to compete in any wind, especially the gusts that Colorado often produces daily.”
The event will include light refreshments, drinks, door prizes and discounts on memberships and Pro Shop items.