Free public activation featured court time for the public, professional pickleball players from Major League Pickleball, nonprofit community programming, and immersive brand experiences during one of the biggest weeks in racquet sports
NEW YORK, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CityPickle, New York City’s home for pickleball, transformed the heart of Times Square into a one-of-a-kind pickleball destination with CityPicklePalooza, a five-day celebration of America’s fastest-growing sport that took place August 26–30.
Presented by CityPickle in partnership with Times Square Alliance, CityPicklePalooza was a free public activation that brought a professional pickleball court to one of the world’s most iconic public gathering places, inviting New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the excitement, accessibility, and community spirit that have fueled pickleball’s explosive rise in popularity. The celebration coincided with an epic week of racquet sports in New York City, running alongside the start of the U.S. Open and the Major League Pickleball Finals hosted at CityPickle Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Times Square Plaza came alive with a dynamic lineup of programming designed to engage players and spectators of all ages and experience levels. The public had the opportunity to enjoy complimentary pickleball play, watch Major League Pickleball’s professional players on court and on screen, and experience a festival-like atmosphere complete with live DJ entertainment, interactive brand activations, product sampling, giveaways, and special appearances. Participating brands included Prince, Rhone, K-Swiss, Cabot, Zespri, and One Times Square, bringing inclusive community energy to the heart of Times Square throughout the five-day event. In a standout moment on Thursday, August 27th, One Times Square transformed its iconic New Year’s Eve Ball into a giant pickleball to honor CityPicklePalooza and celebrate the sport in the city.
CityPicklePalooza also spotlighted nonprofit organizations including the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation, alongside CityPickle’s own Parkinson’s pickleball programming, highlighting the inclusive and community-driven spirit at the heart of the game.
Located adjacent to the busiest subway station in New York City and welcoming approximately 350,000 pedestrians each day, Times Square Plaza provided a fitting backdrop for a sport that has rapidly evolved from a recreational pastime into a cultural phenomenon. More than a sporting event, CityPicklePalooza celebrated the ways pickleball has become a catalyst for connection, bringing together people across generations, backgrounds, and skill levels through a shared love of play.
“CityPicklePalooza was an incredible celebration of the role pickleball now plays in New York City’s social and cultural fabric,” said Mary Cannon, Co-Founder of CityPickle. “Seeing players take the court surrounded by the lights and high-octane energy of Times Square was electric. It brought together New Yorkers and visitors from around the world in a way only this city—and this sport—can.”
“Watching people check off a true bucket-list moment by playing on a professional court in the middle of Times Square made for an unforgettable weekend,” said Erica Desai, Co-Founder of CityPickle. “From lifelong players to curious first-timers, the energy was unmatched. We were thrilled to offer this experience to the public for free, celebrating the biggest week in racquet sports right at the crossroads of the world.”
Looking ahead, this Wednesday, September 2nd through October 18th, CityPickle will next activate and celebrate pickleball at Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park City Hall. Presented by Visit Delaware, CityPickle Philadelphia invites players of every skill level, whether stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned pro to experience pickleball in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic spaces.
About CityPickle
CityPickle, New York City’s home for pickleball, is redefining pickleball as a social and lifestyle experience centered around community, hospitality, and play. Co-founded by Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, the lifestyle brand debuted in New York City with the city’s first indoor pickleball club in Long Island City and recently launched its 37,000 square foot flagship in the heart of Times Square in the Paramount Building. Both locations feature climate-controlled courts and a full bar and restaurant, making it the ideal destination to connect in person, spend quality time, and host events. CityPickle operates 14 outdoor courts in Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink seasonally, and is currently constructing a 60,000 square foot, 11-court pickleball hub in Dumbo underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Through seasonal activations at various locations including Hudson Yards, Atlantic Terminal, and Philadelphia’s City Hall, CityPickle continues to draw new communities to experience the growing sport. Looking ahead, CityPickle is partnering with industry leaders to open CityPickle Boca, a 100,000 square foot 25 court racquet sports facility with both indoor and outdoor pickleball and padel courts set to open in Boca Raton, Florida in November 2026.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ceab6070-91da-44ec-9efc-03dcbb33669b
CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACTS: BerlinRosen [email protected]
