IN THE
CLUB
California
SMASH
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA
Sunset Smash
by DREW WATHEY
Recently, a philosopher said,“ Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn football,” an update of the famous quote about baseball. And, for every tight spiral coming from the throwing arm of Josh Allen, or acrobatic touchdown run by Derrick Henry, the gridiron has often been the focal point in this country for so many sports enthusiasts.
While the sport of pickleball has a long way to go to eclipse the fanaticism of football, it has most assuredly entered the consciousness of many who love to dink, drop, and— for those living in and around El Segundo, California— smash … namely California SMASH!
South Bay’ s newest foray into the world of pickleball is a former industrial warehouse building converted into a 25,000-square-foot indoor facility where competition and community come together.
A social get-together combining connection, energy and the omnipresent California culture,“ SMASH is built around‘ play + social.’ It’ s not show up, play, leave. It’ s a modern clubhouse— music, energy, courtside viewing, food and drinks, and space designed to connect people,” says Brett Drogmund, co-founder of California SMASH.
Featuring nine professionally padded courts, a 100- seat social club with full bar, optimal lighting and temperature control, SMASH is open every day of the year and offers cozy lounges designed for lingering with friends after play.( Recently, those friends consisted of Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who moved from one court at Crypto. com Arena to another at California SMASH.)
“ We wanted to elevate the entire experience. Pickleball is the anchor, but the atmosphere— DJ nights, events, and
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