Large indoor pickleball facility opening in Chandler next year

PHOENIX — The largest dedicated indoor pickleball facility in the country will be located in Chandler when Pickleball Kingdom opens early next year.

The fully air-conditioned facility at the northeast corner of Ray and Rural roads will feature 16 courts.

“Sixteen pickleball courts dedicated to indoor recreation is a win for Chandler residents,” Mayor Kevin Hartke said in a press release on Monday.

Other amenities of the pickleball facility include a pro shop, snack bar, beer and wine options, locker rooms with showers, ball machines, a party room and lounge areas.

Pickleball Kingdom will also offer tournaments and leagues, and allow guests to sign up for the events or reserve a court from a mobile app.

Founder of the facility Mike Rodrigues and his friends came up with the idea in January while standing in the sun on a windy day waiting for a pickleball court to become available, according to the release.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America because it’s fun,” Rodrigues said. “What’s not fun is waiting for a court, playing in the heat and having the wind affect your game.

“We’ve solved all those problems.”

Those new to the sport will also be able to take lessons at the facility, the company said.

The game, invented in 1965, is played on a badminton-sized court and combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

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