New Indoor Pickleball Club Set to Open in State College, Pennsylvania

The excitement around pickleball continues to grow in the U.S., with a new indoor club opening in State College, Pennsylvania. Former Penn State football player Steve Smith is launching The Picklr State College, featuring nine courts and various membership options. This facility aims to provide a premier pickleball experience while contributing to the sport's rapid expansion across North America. As pickleball gains popularity, the demand for dedicated indoor venues is increasing, reflecting a broader trend in recreational sports. Learn more about this exciting development and what it means for the local community.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 18:53 IST

Exciting Developments in Pickleball

The popularity of pickleball is skyrocketing across the United States, drawing interest from investors, former athletes, and franchise operators as it transitions from casual play to professional indoor venues. A notable new facility is set to open in State College, where Steve Smith, a former Penn State football player, is preparing to launch an indoor pickleball club later this year.

Scheduled to debut in August, The Picklr State College will occupy the former Big Lots space within the Benner Pike Shops complex, close to Happy Valley Casino. This expansive 27,000-square-foot facility will boast nine pickleball courts, a pro shop, and various membership programs, catering to the increasing number of pickleball enthusiasts in North America.

Smith expressed his excitement, stating, “Establishing The Picklr in State College means the community will enjoy a top-tier indoor pickleball experience.” He added, “Returning to my alma mater to create a premier venue for pickleball is incredibly meaningful to me.”

The club will be open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, offering membership options that include unlimited open play, access to leagues and tournaments, organized events, and entry to other Picklr locations nationwide. This expansion is a testament to the remarkable growth of pickleball in North America, where indoor franchise operators are rapidly establishing new venues to accommodate the rising demand from both recreational and competitive players.

Currently, over 500 new clubs and 5,000 courts are in the works across the continent, as cities strive to create indoor facilities that support year-round play. In recent years, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., thanks to its accessibility, social nature, and expanding professional landscape. The influx of former athletes, investors, and sports entrepreneurs into the sector reflects the sport's evolution into commercial real estate and dedicated indoor club networks.

In Pennsylvania, pickleball's popularity is also on the rise, with local leagues, community courts, and indoor venues emerging, reflecting national trends as participation continues to grow across various age demographics. The State College initiative underscores how the sport's expansion is increasingly supported by large-scale indoor facilities designed for recreation, leagues, tournaments, and long-term community involvement.