BOOM
The fastest-growing sport in the country is moving indoors . These climate‐controlled spaces are
INDOOR PICKLEBALL
catering to the sport ’ s year-round appeal — without wind , rain , cold , extreme heat or sun glare . by MATTHEW SCHWARTZ
At outdoor pickleball courts across the country , paddle racks are full , and paddle stacks are plenty . Wait times to play at venues are longer than ever . Some cities don ’ t have enough outdoor pickleball courts , and players have to drive some distance to find one . Demand far outweighs supply . Pickleball ’ s explosion in popularity began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunistic entrepreneurs thought , “ Let ’ s capitalize on this craze right now .”
That has led to pickleball ’ s current boom phase : the construction and opening of hundreds of indoor courts nationwide . One study found that three indoor courts on average are opening every day . Even indoor entertainment centers such as bowling alleys and trampoline parks are adding or considering pickleball courts .
“ I believe indoor court growth will eventually eclipse outdoor court growth ,” says Brandon Mackie , whose job requires knowing exactly where pickleball courts are located . Mackie runs the court-finding app and website Pickleheads . He teamed up last November with the Sports Fitness & Industry Association to create the “ 2024 State of Pickleball : Participation & Infrastructure Report .” It includes an in-depth analysis of pickleball participation and facilities .
Pickleheads ’ data shows that in 2021 , there were 15,679 indoor courts in 3,736 facilities . Currently , there are more than 27,000 indoor courts in about 5,400 facilities . This number includes YMCA locations and municipally owned gyms and community centers that have converted or added indoor pickleball courts . ( While better than nothing for pickleball players , it ’ s often
ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB Roswell , GA ( Courtesy of Ace Pickleball )
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