by Kelly Campbell
In a world where every new pickleball complex and every city with numerous courts claims to be the “Pickleball Capital of the World,” it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. The explosion of pickleball facilities across the country is a great thing, as it demonstrates just how strong and passionate the community has become, but as players, it’s worth asking: what actually makes a pickleball venue great?
Everyone is hopping on the pickleball bandwagon, trying to capitalize on the fastest-growing sport in the world. From pickleball bars to pickleball restaurants, entertainment spaces, pop-up events and even clothing lines, there’s finally no shortage of pickleball resources available to us. But as new facilities pop up seemingly everywhere, there is a concern that there may be some oversaturation. The demand for pickleball venues is here today, but what will make facilities successful in the long haul? How can we support true pickleball lovers?
Beyond the flashy grand openings and record-breaking court counts, certain facilities stand out because they focus on quality over quantity with the kind of design, programming, and culture that keep players coming back.
And as for the true “Pickleball Capital of the World”? A few long-standing hotspots certainly make their case. Cities like Naples and Phoenix have been pickleball havens for years, hosting major tournaments and nurturing dedicated communities well before the sport hit mainstream fame. But lately, a wave of new contenders has entered the scene, as communities prioritize constructing new pickleball spaces. The truth is, not every city or facility can be the best, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding why certain venues rise above the rest, and what qualities truly make a pickleball destination worth your time.
Major Pickleball Facilities Making Headlines as The “Best” and “Biggest”
Numerous cities have become self-proclaimed pickleball paradises, pouring millions into new facilities to meet the sport’s skyrocketing demand. Each one is eager to stake its claim as a top pickleball destination and to see a return on its pickleball investment, but not every city can be the best pickleball hub. A true pickleball hotspot doesn’t just have a lot of courts. It’s accessible, community-focused, and capable of bringing the pickleball world together by hosting major tournaments and events.
Across the country, headlines are popping up weekly: cities breaking ground on massive new complexes, entertainment venues adding pickleball courts, and tourism boards touting themselves as “the next pickleball capital.” Nationwide, everyone wants a piece of the action.
Of course, pickleball’s real beauty lies in its versatility. Whether you play indoors or outdoors, at a private club or on your local park’s repurposed tennis courts, the game creates community. And while court access is finally catching up to demand, not all facilities are created equal. The best ones go beyond flashy openings or record-breaking court counts. They build environments where players of every level feel connected, supported, and excited to play.
Below are a few facility announcements and headlines from this past year that highlight how cities are investing in pickleball infrastructure, and how they actually stack up against one another. These are just some recent additions to a growing list of major facilities that have been emerging around the country over the last few years.
South Jordan, UT
Facility: Utah Pickleball Center
Highlights: 47 courts in a 138,000-square-foot facility (including 15 outdoor and 13 rooftop courts), spectator seating for over 1,000, full gym/spa/pro-shop/food service amenities, and built to host national tournaments, will be home to the MLP team, Utah Black Diamonds.
“When complete, this privately funded, $25 million facility, which will be located on the east side of the city, will be the first dedicated indoor venue for a professional pickleball team anywhere in the United States.” – Mayor Dawn Ramsey.
Scottsdale, AZ
Facility: Pure Pickleball
Highlights: 190,000+ sq ft, $65 million indoor venue (nearly 200k sq ft) with ~48–50 courts, a 1,200-seat pro arena, rooftop bar, restaurant, recovery center, and country-club-style amenities; construction slated for 2025/26
Headline: Massive indoor pickleball facility to break ground in Scottsdale, aiming to be world’s largest
“We have the opportunity to cement Scottsdale and Phoenix as the pickleball capital of the world.” – Brett Warner, COO of Pure Pickleball and Padel.
Raleigh, NC
Facility: The Underground
Highlights: 160,000 sq ft, 7.8-acre site; will include more than 40 dedicated pickleball courts, sand volleyball and badminton courts, bar and food options, recovery/specialty amenities such as sauna and cold plunge, and is projected to open by late 2026.
Headline: $15 million pickleball facility planned for north Raleigh
“Who’s ready to play at the biggest facility in the world?!” – The Underground.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Facility: The Dink District
Highlights: 40,000‑square‑foot climate‑controlled venue located at 200 Ronald McNair Blvd in Carolina Forest; includes 14 pro‑grade courts, a championship court for tournaments, a lounge overlooking courts, locker rooms, a pro shop, and offers both membership and walk‑in options
Headline: 40,000-square-foot pickleball facility coming to the Myrtle Beach area in 2026
“With the rapid growth of pickleball in the region, Dink District will further position Myrtle Beach as a leading sports destination, complementing other expanding sports venues and pickleball facilities in the area.” – Dink District.
Macon, GA
Facility: Rhythm and Rally
Highlights: 150,000‑square‑foot indoor complex featuring 32 courts (16 upstairs, 16 downstairs), climate‑controlled environment, day‑use lockers, showers, a pro shop, and designed to host state‑, regional‑, and national‑level tournaments.
“We have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people, whether they are local and wanting to learn how to play or are visiting here for a tournament. With Rhythm and Rally, I see that community growing even larger, stronger, and closer together, all while attracting larger tournaments. And that’s why I’m proud of who we’re working with to make sure it is an overwhelming success. – Mayor Lester Miller.
Quality Over Quantity: How to Choose Your Home Court
While some features make a facility stand out, your ideal home court depends entirely on your goals, budget, and the kind of pickleball experience you’re looking for. At the end of the day, whether you’re playing on a converted blacktop or at a venue with all the bells and whistles, the best facility is the one that keeps you coming back. Whatever gets you on the court most often and helps you enjoy the game is where you need to be.
Use this checklist to help you identify which pickleball facilities are worth your time and money:
Court Quality: When you first visit a facility, make sure that courts are well-maintained. Surfaces and paint should be clean and in good condition. Courts should be regulation size and spread out from one another.
Crowd Control: Check out each facility’s vibe and crowd level by visiting at your normal pickleball time before making any commitments. Take note of staff-to-player ratios, restroom lines, and court wait times. Depending on the type of person you are, you might like a quieter scene, or you may gravitate towards a louder, more vibrant one with plenty of opportunities to engage with other dinkers.
Amenities: Decide whether you prefer a quick, in-and-out pickleball experience or a more robust club atmosphere. Many newer facilities offer more than just courts; they boast fitness areas, restaurants, bars, lounges, or event spaces that make it easy to spend a whole afternoon there. In that sense, these venues function more like a gym or country club: if your goal is simply to get in some games and head home, you don’t need every extra perk. But if you’re looking for a true third place, somewhere to connect, unwind, and build community beyond the court, you’ll want a facility that checks a few more boxes.
Accessibility: Choose a facility close enough to make regular play realistic. A long commute can turn your favorite sport into a chore. Also consider parking, membership fees, and safety — convenience and comfort matter as much as quality.
Knowledgeable Staff: Friendly, organized staff and experienced pros can elevate your game and make your time on the court stress-free. A well-run facility will have clear communication, easy scheduling, and approachable coaches or managers. Having pickleball-playing employees could make a huge difference!
Programming: See what facilities near you offer outside of normal court time. Ask staff about the facility’s community forums to connect with players on, any events they host, and opportunities for coaching and community-building.
With so many incredible options available to us, make sure you play the field (court) before committing. Try traveling around your community, and even the country as a standalone pickleball trip or adding a pickleball pit stop to any other vacation or travel, to find out what facilities really speak to you. Attend pickleball events and chat with your fellow dinkers to truly find your pickleball home.
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