Pickleball Franchise 'The Picklr' Opens First Louisiana Location

New facility aims to provide a professional environment for the growing sport and serve as a catalyst for further development at the Louisiana Boardwalk.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Picklr, a pickleball franchise, celebrated its grand opening at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City, marking the first time the company has opened a location in Louisiana. The new facility is expected to reinvigorate the area and serve as an asset for the local community.

Why it matters

The arrival of The Picklr is seen as a catalyst for further development at the Louisiana Boardwalk, which local officials hope will bring more growth and investment to the area. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, and the new professional-grade courts are expected to attract more players and enthusiasts to the region.

The details

The Picklr's new location in Bossier City features professional-grade pickleball courts, which attendees at the grand opening described as a substantial improvement over typical gym courts. Franchise partner Christopher Phillips expressed a desire for the facility to benefit the surrounding community and reinvigorate the Boardwalk, which he described as a significant asset for the city.

  • The Picklr celebrated its grand opening on February 23, 2026.
  • Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler indicated that additional projects are planned for the Boardwalk area over the next two years.

The players

The Picklr

A pickleball franchise that has opened its first location in Louisiana at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.

Tommy Chandler

The mayor of Bossier City, who attended the grand opening event and highlighted the project's role in the city's ongoing growth.

Christopher Phillips

The franchise partner who managed the opening of The Picklr's new location and expressed a desire for the facility to benefit the surrounding area.

Marvis Grisham

A pickleball player who attended the grand opening and was impressed by the professional-grade courts.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first one that's in Louisiana. They had like 382 people sign up before it even started. This is just like opening the door to other things that are gonna happen down here in the Boardwalk here in the next year or two.”

— Tommy Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City (KTAL)

“I hope to have something that the community's proud of. I hope it will reinvigorate the boardwalk, which is just a great asset for us to have here in this city, and I mean, look at this place. It's beautiful.”

— Christopher Phillips, Franchise Partner (KTAL)

“They're like professional courts, whereas I've been used to playing on gym courts. So, it's a substantial difference as far as how your ball moves, how you can…your feet just adhere to it a lot better, and it's just great.”

— Marvis Grisham, Pickleball Player (KTAL)

What’s next

Mayor Chandler indicated that additional projects are planned for the Boardwalk area over the next two years, suggesting more development and growth in the region.

The takeaway

The arrival of The Picklr's first Louisiana location in Bossier City is seen as a significant step in the city's ongoing efforts to attract new businesses and reinvigorate the Louisiana Boardwalk area, which local officials hope will serve as a catalyst for further development and investment in the community.