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'Ace!' Can pickleball bring back the popularity of malls?

Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong began in 1965.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
How can pickleball bring back the popularity of malls?

Let's connect the dots.

People are craving fun, social experiences after years of limited gatherings during the pandemic. And they have shifted their spending from goods to experiences like theaters, arcades and amusement parks and now pickleball courts.

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Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong began in 1965.

But it has skyrocketed during the pandemic. Industry experts say nearly nine million folks played pickleball last year. And as groups look for places to play, they're getting turned away from some tennis courts and neighborhoods.

So pickleball is heading to malls, where landlords hope players can play and then grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

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Some sites already opening in new jersey and New Hampshire, with more planned in Alabama, Atlanta and Dallas.

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