New Indoor Pickleball Facility Set to Open in Binghamton

Exciting Developments in Binghamton's Sports Scene

The surge in popularity of pickleball in the United States is paving the way for innovative business opportunities, as evidenced by the upcoming indoor pickleball facility in Binghamton. This project, known as The Paddle House, triumphed in the city’s 2026 Business Plan Competition, an event highlighted by Mayor Jared Kraham on May 27 at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator.

Initiated by students and recent alumni from Binghamton University, The Paddle House aims to meet the increasing demand for indoor pickleball facilities in the area. As part of their victory, they will receive $7,000 along with mentorship and support from local businesses and organizations.

The proposed facility will feature five indoor pickleball courts, along with lounge areas and recreational activities such as cornhole, ping pong, and billiards. Co-founder Kai Chen noted that this initiative responds to the limited year-round playing options available in Broome County, where outdoor pickleball can only be played for about 110 days annually due to weather constraints.

Currently, the region has only 22 pickleball courts, which is insufficient given the sport's growing popularity. A standout aspect of The Paddle House will be its 24-hour access system, allowing members to enter via a mobile app. The facility also plans to host coaching sessions, leagues, classes, and tournaments as part of its operational strategy.

Co-founder Brian Ng expressed hopes to launch the facility by November 2026, although a specific location has yet to be finalized. One potential site is a commercial plaza on Glenwood Avenue, which houses several national retail and fitness chains.

The Binghamton Business Plan Competition is a collaborative effort between the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and the SUNY Broome Entrepreneurial Assistance Center, with financial backing from M&T Bank. In addition to The Paddle House, the competition recognized other innovative projects, including a sustainable textile studio and an AI-detection app developer. This victory underscores the growing impact of pickleball on local business initiatives and infrastructure development across the nation.