Steelers & Colt McCoy visit

Schedule sadness? Houston Texans snubbed by MNF, lockout could put Colts game indoubt

Could the NFL lockout put Peyton Manning's one visit to Houston in doubt?
The NFL's national TV partners don't seem so sure of the difference that newdefensive guru Wade Phillips will make for the Texans.

If the NFL lockout extends into the regular season — and that's still a very distinct possibility — it could end up costing Houston Texans' fans a doozy of a game.

Yes, it's NFL Schedule unveiling night, but what's usually an unbridled celebration cannot help but be a little more muted this time thanks to the NFL's labor war. The Texans found out their full slate of games like usual, but there's uncertainty over whether they'll get to play them all.

Considering that Houston is scheduled to open up with arguably its best home game of the season — a Sept. 11 date with the still-hated Indianapolis Colts — losing a game or two could sting even more in the Bayou City. Coming off a 6-10 season, the Texans do not have the daunting slate they faced last season. Their 2011 schedule ties for the 10th toughest in the league with their opponents going a combined 132-124 last season.

Still, the national TV decision makers aren't exactly believers in Bob McNair's new Gary Kubiak-Wade Phillips coaching tag team. For the second straight season, Houston's team will not make a single appearance on Sunday Night Football (the NFL's real glory spot these days) and the Texans are also being ignored by Monday Night Football, which featured their home game vs. the Ravens (the manic comeback and overtime pick-6 game) in 2010.

The Texans' only prime-time game will be a Thursday nighter (broadcast by the NFL Network) at Indianapolis on Dec. 22.

There is some good news on the lockout schedule front though. After the scheduled Reliant Stadium opener vs. the Colts, Houston goes on the road for two straight weeks (at Miami and New Orleans) before returning to play a Oct. 2 home game against the defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. It will be a shock if that marquee Reliant matchup is impacted by the labor strife.

More highlights of the Reliant slate include an Oct. 9 visit from the Oakland Raiders, a Nov. 6 game vs. Cleveland and presumably former Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy and a Dec. 4 matchup with NFC power Atlanta. The Texans close the regular season with a home game against the Tennessee Titans on Jan. 1, a day traditionally thought of as college football's.

The full Houston Texans 2011 schedule:

Sept. 11 vs. Indianapolis Colts, noon

Sept. 18 at Miami Dolphins, 3:15 p.m.

Sept. 25 at New Orleans Saints, noon

Oct. 2 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, noon

Oct. 9 vs. Oakland Raiders, noon

Oct. 16 at Baltimore Ravens, 3:05 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Tennessee Titans, noon

Oct. 30 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, noon

Nov. 6 vs. Cleveland Browns, noon

Nov. 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noon

Nov. 20, Bye week

Nov. 27 at Jacksonville Jaguars, noon

Dec. 4 vs. Atlanta Falcons, noon

Dec. 11 at Cincinnati Bengals, noon

Dec. 18 vs. Carolina Panthers, noon

Dec. 22 at Indianapolis Colts, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 1 vs. Tennessee Titans, noon

unspecified

pucker up

Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

Two men play pickleball on a Picklr court.

Photo courtesy of The Picklr

A Picklr court campus similar to the ones soon to open in Houston.

Pickleball is one of the hottest sports sweeping the nation, and one of the biggest names in the game is setting up two new facilities in Houston. Picklr is scheduled to open indoor sports campuses in Cypress and The Woodlands in the coming months.

“Bringing a pickleball facility to Cypress will not only provide a fun and engaging recreational outlet for residents of all ages, but will also foster a sense of community and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Steve Nguyen, owner of The Picklr Cypress.“This facility will serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction, skill development, and friendly/competitive competition, enhancing community bonds and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”

Although the game is approximately 60 years old, pickleball saw a massive spike in popularity following the pandemic when people were looking for fun group activities with easy points of entry. Though a racket sport like tennis, it is far easier and slower thanks to using perforated balls, smaller courts, and lighter paddles. This means the game is open to players of all ages, and was originally most popular with retirees. Now, there are roughly 5 million players across America, with players under 24 making up the majority. Houston even has its own professional team, the Hammers (not the Texas Hammer; that's this guy).

The court in Cypress will be located in the old ASI Gymnastics building at 8920 Barker Cypress. It's a relatively modest facility with only six courts including a practice court. By contrast, The Woodlands location will be much more opulent. At 66,517 square feet, it will have 20 courts, 4 private event spaces (one with an exclusive viewing area), as well as a shower, changing room, dry bar, and kitchenette. Picklr The Woodlands will be located at 16590 Interstate I-45 South.

These locations are the first for Picklr in Houston. They have twelve locations all throughout Texas, including in Round Rock and McKinney, and many more nationwide. Picklr locations operate on a membership model similar to a gym. Memberships run $159 a month for adults and $89 for minors, with unlimited access to open play, league play, and tournaments , as well as four free clinics a month. Additional coaching is available.

There is currently no set opening date for the two Houston-area Picklrs. Players interested in learning more may sign up for updates at ThePicklr.com.

pickleball openings