FORT LAUDERDALE’ S NEWEST SPORTS AND SOCIAL HUB, THE FORT, IS REDEFINING THE PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE. LOCATED AT SNYDER PARK NEAR THE AIRPORT, THIS $ 30 MILLION, 10-ACRE COMPLEX BOASTS 43 COURTS— INCLUDING 14 COVERED— PLUS A BAR, RESTAURANT, PRO SHOP, AND EVEN THE WORLD’ S FIRST DEDICATED PICKLEBALL STADIUM.
3. Texas: 854 facilities and 3,584 courts
“ Everything’ s bigger in Texas,” including the pickleball scene. The state has a rapidly growing number of courts, with major cities like Houston and Austin becoming hotspots for the sport. The mild winters allow for a long outdoor season and are a key reason for the investment in dedicated pickleball facilities. For example, Austin, Dallas and Houston have seen significant investment in pickleball infrastructure, including the opening of large, dedicated indoor facilities, as well as the hosting of major tournaments like the PPA Tour’ s Pickleball World Championships.
4. New York: 643 facilities and 2,408 courts
While New York City is a major player, the entire state has a significant number of pickleball courts. New York’ s position on this list is particularly impressive given its colder climate, which necessitates a strong need for indoor facilities. This makes it a great state for yearround play.
5. Ohio: 581 facilities and 2,571 courts
Ohio’ s high ranking also demonstrates the sport’ s growing popularity outside of the traditional warmweather states. The Buckeye State has many pickleball locations, and communities are actively building new courts and converting existing facilities to meet the rising demand.
6. Illinois: 576 facilities and 2,262 courts
This state’ s population is a key driving force. The Chicago metropolitan area has a significant number of players, and the demand for courts has led to the conversion of existing facilities and construction of new ones.
7. North Carolina: 547 facilities and 2,145 courts
North Carolina has become a popular destination for retirees, especially in the western mountains and the coastal regions. Pickleball facilities are a must-have in planned communities and retirement villages to attract residents. In addition, cities like Raleigh and Charlotte are experiencing rapid population growth, which has created a need for recreational pickleball courts.
8. Michigan: 505 facilities and 2,130 courts
Michigan has a strong culture of outdoor activity, especially during the warmer months. This makes pickleball a natural fit for many communities. The sport has gained traction through grassroots efforts, with local park and recreation departments recognizing its popularity and investing in new courts.
9. Pennsylvania: 496 facilities and 1,979 courts
Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state, with many residents looking for recreational opportunities. Pickleball has grown in both urban and suburban areas of the state, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller towns, which illustrates the sport’ s broad appeal.
10. Virginia: 458 facilities and 1,718 courts
Northern Virginia is part of the greater Washington, D. C., metro area, which has a dense population that contributes to high demand for recreational facilities. As new residential developments and communities are built, they often include pickleball courts as a standard amenity, fueling the sport’ s expansion.
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 | MAGAZINE 33