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Penaloza and some friends attended the major league tournament Sunday at Pickler Universe, located at 2800 North Interstate 35 East in Carrollton. The pickleball facility hosted the weekend-long tournament on National Pickleball Day on Aug 8.
Joe Brayton said he co-opened Pickler Universe with his partners after retiring from his prior business Paragon Healthcare, Inc. in 2021. The Pickler Universe CEO said the Carrollton facility opened in 2025 to cater to the growing number of fans.
“I think what really kicked it off was COVID,” he said. “It was something they could play outside andstill be distanced enough. Once people started playing with it, they realized it’s addictive. The first you go out, you can have a good time and really enjoy it.”
The indoor pickleball facility spans 111,325 square feet with 26 courts. Pickler Universe plans to open a second location this fall in D-FW, according to Brayton. Pickler Universe in Carrollton offers monthly memberships that range from $55 to $198 a month and $15 for visitor open play at the facility, according to its website. The center also hosts tournaments.
Pickler Universe CEO Joe Brayton joins David Johnson on “CEO Spotlight” to discuss bringing the country club experience to pickleball
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Pickler Universe CEO Joe Brayton discussing how the DFW facility got started and its vision for bringing the country club experience to pickleball.