rPickleball is coming to Fenway Park this summer! From Tom Brady, to Maren Morris, Kim Kardashian and more, these celebrities are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America!
What Is Pickleball?
If you’re thinking, “What is pickleball?” you’re not alone. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis (think ‘ping-pong’). It is played on a court similar to a doubles badminton court, with a slightly modified tennis net. Instead of the height of a tennis net, it’s a little shorter. Players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes like a whiffle ball. The entire objective is to hit the ball over the net and land it within the boundaries of the court. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles.
Does that give you a better understanding of the sport? Pickleball is almost like a mix between ping-pong, whiffle ball and tennis. And it’s SO FUN!
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Why Play Pickleball?
- Easy to learn: Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, even for people who have never played a racket sport before. This means that beginners can start having fun right away, without needing to spend a lot of time practicing or developing skills.
- Fast-paced: Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that keeps players engaged and on their toes. Points can be won quickly, and the game can change direction in an instant, which adds to the excitement of the sport.
- Social: Pickleball is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It’s often played in doubles, which means that players can team up with a partner and socialize while they play.
- Suitable for all ages: Pickleball is a sport that can be played by people of all ages, from young children to seniors. This makes it a great activity for families, as well as for people who want to stay active and engaged as they age.
- Low-impact: Pickleball is a low-impact sport, which means that it puts less strain on joints and muscles than other racket sports like tennis or badminton. This makes it a great option for people who want to stay active but may have joint or muscle issues.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Pickleball At Fenway Park
If you love playing pickleball, or you’re just intrigued to watch other people play it, Fenway Park will be hosting a pickleball festival this summer! It’s a part of a Ballpark Festival Series hosted by Pickleball4America.
Sadly, there’s no official date yet, but we do know that a dozen pickleball courts will be set up on the outfield. And we know that it will take place this summer. Courts will be available to rent for open play. And there will be a professional tournament to watch as well. Bring the kids, or a date! Don’t forget your pickleball paddle!
Fenway Park will be home to the newest craze- Pickleball!
Celebrities Who Play Or Invest In Pickleball
The following celebrities are connected to pickleball in some way. They either play the sport, they own a team, or they’ve invested in companies that make pickleball products. Check out the surprising celebrities below!
Kim Clijsters
International Tennis Hall of Famer joined Tom Brady as an owner of a professional pickleball team.
(Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
Kevin Love
Kevin Love is also part owner of this pickleball team with LeBron James and Draymond Green.
(Photo by Albert Urso/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows)
Bill Gates
The co-founder of Microsoft has been spotted playing pickleball and has reportedly invested in a pickleball court at his home.
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME)
George Stephanopoulos
The journalist and television host is known to be an avid pickleball player and has even covered the sport on his show.
(Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)
Simone Biles
The Olympic gymnast has been seen playing pickleball in her free time and has shared photos and videos on social media.
Rob Lowe
The actor is a big fan of pickleball and has even hosted a celebrity pickleball tournament in his backyard.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.)
Tony Hawk
The professional skateboarder has picked up pickleball and has shared videos of himself playing on social media. He’s also invested in a company that makes pickleball paddles.
Bobby Flay
The celebrity chef is also a pickleball enthusiast and has even cooked up some pickleball-inspired dishes on his cooking show. He’s also invested in a new pickleball facility that is set to open in New York City.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Bullseye Event Group )
Jimmy Fallon
The late-night talk show host has featured pickleball on his show and has played the sport with celebrity guests.
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Mark Cuban
The billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks has invested in a startup that produces pickleball equipment.
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
