USA SHADE®, a national leader in innovative, architecturally designed shade structures, announced today a new partnership with USA Pickleball, the sport’s National Governing Body in the United States.

As an official partner of USA Pickleball, USA SHADE will bring its expertise to the fastest-growing sport in the US, delivering custom-engineered solutions to help create safer, cooler, and more comfortable outdoor playing environments.

“As pickleball continues its explosive growth, facility owners are increasingly focused on upgrades that enhance player safety and elevate the overall experience,” said Jay Rivera, Senior Vice President of Sales at Shade Structures. “Our partnership with USA Pickleball is a strategic step forward, positioning USA SHADE as a preferred shade partner for court builders, municipalities, and racquet clubs responding to the surge in demand for modern, high-quality pickleball facilities.”

With over 30 years of experience, USA SHADE is the industry leader in fabric structure design. The company offers turnkey services across the entire project lifecycle, from design and engineering to manufacturing, project management, and installation. This end-to-end approach makes USA SHADE uniquely equipped to meet the needs of outdoor recreation venues nationwide, especially in sun-prone areas where heat protection is critical.

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation has skyrocketed in recent years, with a 51.8% increase from 2022 to 2023. This rapid growth spans every age group, but older adults, who account for 85% of all pickleball-related injuries, face increased risks when exposed to high temperatures.

Strategic shade implementation is a proactive solution to help minimize those risks and support long-term player safety. USA SHADES’s structures can reduce court temperatures by up to 25 degrees, helping protect players and spectators from harmful UV rays and excessive heat, conditions that can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and heat-related injuries.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to elevating the pickleball experience, both in terms of performance and safety, for players of all ages,” said Christian Portaro, Senior Director of Partnerships at USA Pickleball. “By ensuring all pickleball courts are protected with high-quality measures, we’re setting the stage for more people to be involved in pickleball and to be safe while doing so.”

For more information about USA SHADE, visit www.usa-shade.com.