Pickleball Kingdom Set to Rise in Athens: In the world of pickleball, there’s one cardinal rule that all players know: stay out of the kitchen. For those immersed in this rapidly expanding sport, the kitchen is a specific zone on both sides of the net, critical to gameplay. As the popularity of pickleball surges across the nation, exciting developments are on the horizon for the Athens area.
New Facility on the Way
Two Atlanta businessmen, Dave Moran and Eric Middleton, have unveiled plans to establish Pickleball Kingdom, aiming for a summer 2025 opening in Oconee County, just north of Watkinsville. This new facility will be conveniently located off U.S. Highway 441, nestled behind the Racetrac gas station and adjacent to agricultural land managed by the University of Georgia.
The ambitious project will feature 16 indoor pickleball courts within a 45,000-square-foot building, which will include locker rooms and a pro shop stocked with pickleball equipment. This facility represents a significant investment in the local sports community.
Franchise Agreement Signed
Moran and Middleton have signed a franchise agreement with Pickleball Kingdom, a business that offers franchises for its unique pickleball facility concept. With existing locations already thriving in Texas and Washington, they see great potential in the Athens area. “We signed a pickleball agreement to have the franchisee for the state,” Moran stated. “Quite honestly, we thought Atlanta would come first, but it’s been difficult to find the right space in Atlanta.”
Athens: The Right Choice
“Athens was always on our mind. I have family there, my wife went to school there, and Eric went to (the University of) Georgia. We see it as a fast-growing market for a lot of reasons,” Moran added. The roots of pickleball trace back to 1965 when it was created by three men in Bainbridge Island, Washington, as a blend of badminton, table tennis, and wiffle ball. Today, it is played by two or four participants and has garnered a dedicated following in Athens, where local groups already frequent recreational sites.
The establishment of national and international associations for pickleball competition underscores its growing prominence, and the Athens Area Pickleball Association has been a vital part of the local pickleball scene for several years. Moran also shared his personal connection to the sport, stating, “I’m a former tennis and squash player, and Eric has been a ping-pong guy forever.” He met Middleton on a pickleball court in Atlanta, highlighting the community aspect that defines this engaging sport.
News in Brief : Pickleball Kingdom Set to Rise in Athens
Plans for Pickleball Kingdom, an expansive indoor pickleball facility, were announced by Atlanta businessmen Dave Moran and Eric Middleton, set to open in Oconee County by summer 2025. Located off U.S. Highway 441, the 45,000-square-foot facility will feature 16 courts, locker rooms, and a pro shop. The duo has signed a franchise agreement with Pickleball Kingdom, seeking to establish a presence in Athens, where they see significant market potential due to the sport’s growing popularity in the area.
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