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Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees is co-owning a new pickleball club, 'The Picklr', set to open in Noblesville, Indiana. The club, which is the second Indiana facility for the franchise, will feature 19 indoor courts, three championship-sized courts, grandstands, an upper-level viewing and lounge area, and multiple event spaces. Construction on the 57,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to begin in the fall.
Brees, who was the MVP in the 2010 Super Bowl as a quarterback with the New Orleans Saints, is a Picklr brand ambassador and co-owner of Major League Pickleball’s Los Angeles Mad Drops. He is partnering with Indianapolis businessmen Ron Brock and David Gilreath, owners of Pickle Indy LLC, for this venture.
"Our vision is to create a community where people of all ages and skill levels can come together to play this fast-growing sport. Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or you’re a seasoned player or pro, we will provide a warm, welcoming, premium quality environment to play and socialize. This club is going to be the premier pickleball club in the Midwest, and we look forward to building the area youth program as well as attracting both amateur and professional tournaments,” said Brees to WISH-TV.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen expressed his gratitude to Brees, Brock, and Gilreath for choosing Noblesville as the next location for the pickleball franchise. He believes the facility aligns with the city's goal to invest in the overall health of the community and expects it to have a positive economic impact.