Pickleball Magazine 4-5 | Page 14

dinks What’s News in Pickleball ONE-OF-A-KIND PICKLEBALL FACILITY OPENS IN OPELIKA, ALABAMA! O pelika Parks and Recreation has completed the construction of 12 new pickleball courts at the Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center. The new facility is one of the premier pickleball facilities in the nation, offering thoughtful amenities that are not often found at tournaments. All 12 courts are individually fenced, allowing for tournament-style play, and the entire facility is covered by a large canopy, offering protection from the elements. Because the facility is situated directly behind the Opelika SportsPlex, players have access to ample parking, bathrooms, lockers, showers and concessions. “Since we now have a premier pickleball facility, it’s inevitable that we host three or four big tournaments and several small tournaments each year,” says Sam Bailey, Director of Opelika Parks and Recreation. “With the larger tournaments, we’d expect 250-300 players and the smaller tournaments would have about 150 players.” The courts have already seen a lot of play. On opening day, more than 50 players came to test out the courts. Since then, the Opelika-Auburn Pickleball Club has hosted daily games at the courts for its members and those interested in learning the sport. 12 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM