New Indoor Pickleball Facility Set to Open in Pennsylvania

Expansion of Pickleball Facilities in the U.S.

The popularity of pickleball is surging in the United States, prompting significant investments in indoor sports venues. A new facility, The Picklr, is slated to open in State College, Pennsylvania, this summer, aiming to cater to the increasing demand for the sport. This expansive 27,000-square-foot indoor complex will be situated in the former Big Lots store at Benner Pike Shops and is designed to include nine courts, a pro shop, private event spaces, and coaching programs.

The courts will feature a unique outdoor-style surface created by Just Courts, the official court layer for the Professional Pickleball Association. Additionally, the facility will host an academy where players of all skill levels can receive training from certified instructors. Some membership options will allow access to Picklr locations nationwide.

Steve Smith, a former Penn State football fullback and 1999 alumnus, will oversee the State College club. He expressed his excitement about bringing The Picklr to the area, emphasizing the community's opportunity to enjoy a premier indoor pickleball experience.

This development is part of The Picklr's broader strategy, as the company is working on establishing over 500 clubs and 5,000 courts throughout North America. Pennsylvania is becoming a key market for pickleball, with existing facilities already operating in Exton and Newtown. While the membership fees for the new State College location have yet to be disclosed, current Pennsylvania facilities offer basic memberships ranging from $89 to $99 monthly.

Pickleball has rapidly ascended as one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, attracting considerable interest from franchise owners, investors, and former professional athletes. The swift growth of indoor venues indicates a shift towards year-round play, organized leagues, and structured coaching, as the sport transitions from temporary setups to a more established presence in the sports and recreation industry.