EDITOR’ S LETTER
CenterLine
33 in Rohnert Park, California, may be our cover star, but it joins a number of former movie theaters around the country making a similar pivot. In this issue, we explore how shuttered movie theaters and vacant multiplexes are trading the big screen for center court— breathing fresh life into empty auditoriums and transforming yesterday’ s entertainment venues into today’ s premier pickleball destinations.
The former 16-screen theater in Sonoma County has been creatively repurposed into CenterLine 33, one of the nation’ s most distinctive indoor-outdoor clubs. Pairing 17 indoor courts with 16 outdoor courts to reach its namesake total of 33, the facility offers top-tier play alongside premier wellness amenities.
Members have access to a spa, private locker rooms with showers, and a high-end gym. On-site services include physical therapy and massage along with two licensed chiropractors, plus recovery options like an infrared sauna, red light therapy, and a cold plunge— with pool tables and cornhole available when it’ s time to take a break.
Yet, as impressive as these physical spaces have become, the heart of our sport remains deeply human— and occasionally complicated.
That’ s why we’ re pleased to introduce a new regular column,“ Pickle Me This,” hosted by Erin Mantz. Designed to tackle the tricky social side of the game, Erin offers practical advice for navigating everything from unwritten open-play court etiquette to overly talkative partners and awkward group dynamics, helping players spend less time worrying about off-court friction and more time enjoying the game.
Finally, that same community spirit is making waves on a global scale. The 2026 English OPEN recently wrapped up at the National Exhibition Centre( NEC) in Birmingham, England. Drawing nearly 3,400 players from 56 countries, the event officially cemented its status as the largest indoor pickleball tournament in the world.
From world-class converted facilities in California to social guidelines on the court and record-shattering international tournaments, our game is pushing boundaries everywhere we look.
Stay swinging,
Private courts and stadium seating create an elevated pickleball experience at CenterLine 33.
Julie Talerico Editorial Director
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