Drew Brees to open indoor pickleball facility in Metairie
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees left football and is adding to his business portfolio with interests in restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment venues and other concepts. Photo: Shy McGrath/Getty Images
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is expanding his growing business holdings with a new pickleball venue in Metairie.
Why it matters: Pickle N Pins says it will offer some of the region's first public courts for padel, another fast-growing sport.
The big picture: Pickle N Pins is opening this fall in the former Surge location at 6930 Veterans Memorial Boulevard near David Drive, according to a press release.
- It will have duckpin bowling, axe-throwing, darts and cornhole, in addition to pickleball and padel.
- It also will have a full restaurant and bar. No word yet on the menu, but the press release says it is "drawing inspiration from a food truck culture."
The vibe: Pickle N Pins is geared toward adults but will be a family-friendly venue, the press release says, with experiences for "fun-seekers looking to unwind and socialize."
Zoom in: Brees and Darren Balsamo are the owners.
- Brees has other business ventures in metro New Orleans, including Smalls Sliders, Walk-On's and Stretch Zone.
- He also is part owner of a pickleball team in Austin, and his foundation hosts the NOLA Pickle Fest. The second annual event starts Aug. 7 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
State of play: Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America.
- It's a boon for players who are aging out of tennis — and others who dig its vibe — but it's noisy and draws nonstop complaints from tennis players who've been kicked off their courts.
- NORD and City Park both have outdoor pickleball courts, and The Exchange Pickleball + Bar has indoor courts.
Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish officials are in the process of building a $1 million outdoor pickleball complex at Mike Miley Playground.
- Officials estimate 300 to 500 residents play pickleball weekly at Jefferson Parish parks.
Go deeper: