Clear Skies Hospitality has acquired The Change, marking the corporate’s first growth exterior Chicago and including New Orleans‘ solely devoted pickleball facility to its rising portfolio of sports activities and hospitality venues.

Monetary phrases of the deal weren’t disclosed.

The acquisition provides Clear Skies Hospitality a foothold within the quickly rising pickleball leisure market within the South whereas increasing its attain past its Chicago-based SPF pickleball golf equipment. The corporate stated The Change will proceed working underneath its present title and retain its current workers following the transaction.

Based in 2023 by Renée Melchiode, The Change operates a 26,000-square-foot facility within the Decrease Backyard District that includes six indoor pickleball courts, one outside court docket, meals and beverage service, and neighborhood programming.

Clear Skies Hospitality co-founder Wealthy Inexperienced stated the corporate considered The Change as a powerful cultural and operational match for its growth plans.

“We consider the strongest communities are constructed by enhancing what already resonates regionally, not changing it,” Inexperienced stated in an announcement.

Melchiode stated the partnership would assist the enterprise increase whereas sustaining the community-focused environment that helped set up the venue in New Orleans.

“What started because the area’s first true pickleball vacation spot has grown into one thing far larger – a spot the place folks collect, join, and construct lasting relationships,” Melchiode stated.

The acquisition comes as pickleball continues to drive funding throughout the hospitality, recreation, and leisure industries. Operators have more and more mixed courts with meals, beverage, and social programming as the game’s recognition grows nationwide.

Clear Skies Hospitality presently operates two Chicago pickleball venues underneath its SPF model, together with a 42,000-square-foot membership in Lincoln Park and a 24-hour autonomous facility in Previous Irving Park. The corporate additionally plans to open a 3rd Chicago location within the West Loop later this yr.

The Change, positioned at 2120 Rousseau St., will stay open through the transition, with firm officers saying clients shouldn’t count on instant operational modifications.