Unraveling the connection between pickles, food, and pickleball
I bet you haven’t seen anything like this before! Likely not in your local mall. Because the average shopping centre attracts clothing shoppers, foodies, and even diamond buyers. But rarely have athletes been drawn to these retail hubs for an exhilarating game of sports – even better, a pickleball match! However, if you visit any of the malls introducing pickleball courts to their customer base, you may get to try your hand at the rapidly growing sport. For frequent players, the mall could be your next tournament location, training facility, or meet-up spot just to enjoy a good game.
Either way, pickleball is sweeping the nation and courts continue to arise in malls, community centers, gyms, or local parks across the U.S. The sport has proven that it has an ever-growing interest around it for pickleball players and fans alike. Which explains why retailers and outlets have begun to sell pickleball equipment, fan merchandise, and (even) host games within their outlets.
I must say that though I understand the excitement to play the sport, especially in public arenas where it would make a regular day at the mall more interesting. I did not anticipate that I would be watching YouTube and see a Subway commercial sponsoring pickleball. Yes, you heard that right! Subway – whom we all know for their plethora of sandwiches has come out with one more. The Pickleball Club! Which they describe as a new feature to their collection which arrived in Subway restaurants across the nation last month (April 27th). Just in time for the Pickleball Slam, which took place at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
So, whether you are in the mood for Subway’s Pickleball Club with their “thicker and crunchier” pickles, new honey mustard, loaded on top of their famous Black Forest ham, American cheese (with double the amount), hickory smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and red onions combination – while watching a good game of pickleball at home. Or if you prefer to bring your fully loaded Pickleball Club to the mall’s courts, you can! Because pickleball is for sports fans and players, foodies and fanatics! All who enjoy it, one hit or bite at a time.
I challenge you all to visit your local Subway and try the Pickleball Club. Even better, find a nearby pickleball court and try your hand at the sport. It’s likely there are courts near you, but if your local community lives under a rock and doesn’t have courts yet, you can easily build one at your house with a portable net and some chalk. Nonetheless, you may discover that pickleball’s traditional playing qualities, but unique style is a perfect blend between familiarity and nuance. Perhaps it is the modern flare that big brands like Subway are looking for. A distinct trait that will bring pickleball to the world stage in media and other arenas. One day, perhaps, to the greatest sports stage, the Olympics.