By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The sound of paddles striking pickleballs echoed along the riverfront Saturday as The Picklr Bossier City officially celebrated its grand opening at the Louisiana Boardwalk.
The festivities began at noon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the arrival of what developers describe as a new era of sport, entertainment and community connection in Bossier City. The event, presented by Phillips-Kallenberg Companies, welcomed founding members, local leaders and residents eager to see the region’s newest recreational destination.
Guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with open-court play, music from DJ ReadyRoc, prize giveaways and photo opportunities, while local food vendors 318 Food Co. and Taqueria Mexico served up crowd favorites. A cash bar and the Bash Booth photo experience added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Pickleball continues to surge in popularity nationwide, with an estimated 48 million players in 2024 — outpacing both tennis and golf. The Picklr brand, launched in 2021, has quickly expanded, now operating 63 facilities with more than 500 locations sold worldwide.
The Bossier City location, developed by Phillips-Kallenberg Companies in partnership with Somdal architect and partner Chris Elberson and Black Cypress Development, brings a 39,000-square-foot indoor facility to the Boardwalk. The club features 11 professional-grade, championship-sized indoor courts designed for year-round play.
Amenities include climate control and air conditioning, advanced sound baffling, multilevel outdoor surfacing, locker rooms with showers, corporate entertainment spaces and a fully stocked Pro Shop. The club already boasts more than 315 founding members, reflecting strong local interest prior to opening day.
“Our vision is to be the heart of pickleball, elevating the game and inspiring what’s possible,” said Chris Phillips, franchise partner of The Picklr Bossier City. “Our mission is to provide world-class pickleball experiences, foster meaningful community connections, and make the game accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.”
Phillips added that the facility is expected to contribute to renewed activity at the Louisiana Boardwalk, long considered a key entertainment hub for the city.
Setting this location apart is its integrated full-service restaurant, The Brine, led by chef Gabriel Balderas, known locally for El Cabo Verde and Zuzul. The restaurant features an outdoor deck with sweeping river views, blending sports and social experiences in one destination.
Programming at The Picklr Bossier City will include tournaments and leagues, youth academies and camps, skills and drills training sessions, corporate events and private rentals, as well as The Picklr Academy for adult and junior instruction.
Developers say the goal is to create more than a sports complex — but a gathering place where competition, recreation and community intersect.
Saturday’s grand opening drew a steady crowd throughout the afternoon, with players of all ages stepping onto the courts for their first matches. As paddles swung and spectators cheered, organizers said the response confirmed what they had hoped from the beginning: pickleball has found a home on the Bossier riverfront.