Sports Talk

Welcome back! Charlie Pallilo returns to Houston sports talk radio in a big way

Charlie Palillo is returning to sports talk radio.

Courtesy photo

He's baaaack! After a nine-month absence, Charlie Pallilo is returning to Houston sports talk radio.

Gow Media announced on Wednesday that Pallilo will appear regularly on the two sports radio stations owned by the Houston-based multi-platform media company. Earlier this year, Gow acquired CultureMap, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas.

Starting August 21, Pallilo will host a weekday show on SB Nation 1560AM from 11 am-1 pm. He will also make guest appearances on ESPN 97.5FM Mondays and Fridays from 1-1:30 pm on “The Usual Suspects” hosted by Joel Blank and Barry Laminack, and on Wednesdays from 10-10:30 am on “John Granato and Raheel Ramzanali with Del.”

Pallilo will also write for the company’s websites, including CultureMap.

“I am thrilled to add Charlie to our lineup,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Charlie has a longtime, loyal following. He provides thoughtful, insightful analysis and dialogue with his listeners. He is going to make a mark at Gow Media.”

A Houston sports talk fixture since 1989, Pallilo has earned a reputation as the most informed and knowledgeable host in the city. Locally, he has been recognized on the “best of” lists by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Press. Radio Ink ranked Pallilo on its list of top sports talk show hosts in the country, placing him at No. 11 and No. 10 in consecutive years.

Pallilo worked at KTRH (740AM) and KILT (610 AM) before joining KBME (790 AM) in 2004 after owner iHeart Media launched an all-sports format. He left the station in October, 2016, after he was replaced by former KILT host Josh Innes.

“I am eager to get back at it,” Pallilo said. “It has been great getting to know the team at Gow Media, and I look forward to reconnecting with listeners.”

In addition to its Houston sports radio stations and CultureMap, Gow Media also owns SB Nation Radio, one of the nation's largest national sports radio networks.

In recent months, Gow has also launched a new national TV sports broadcast,The Sean Salisbury Show, on the BeInSports TV network; hired former Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman as a columnist for CultureMap and contributor on the Gow sports radio stations; and entered into a new contentsharing and cross-promotion partnership with ABC13 KTRK-TV.

The company plans to launch a new sports site, SportsMap.com, in September.

“With a focus on sports and lifestyle content, we are building the leading multi-platform media company in Texas,” Gow said.

sports

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