1st Indoor Pickleball Complex in Island: Hilton Head Island, known for its scenic beauty and thriving sports community, is set to welcome a new chapter in its pickleball journey. This December, the island will see the opening of its first indoor pickleball facility, a move that promises to elevate the local sports scene. The new venue, Dill Dinkers, is slated to transform part of the vacant Sam’s Club at Port Royal Plaza into a pickleball haven.
Dill Dinkers: The New Epicenter of Pickleball
The transformation of the 70,000 square-foot Sam’s Club, purchased by Hilton Head businessman J.R. Richardson of the Richardson Group for $5.8 million, marks a significant milestone. Approximately 30% of the space will be dedicated to pickleball. Dill Dinkers will stand as the flagship indoor facility for Hilton Head, expanding the reach of the Dill Dinkers brand which already boasts ten locations from Connecticut to Virginia.
The facility will feature eight regulation Pro-Cushion courts, equipped with fences for separation. In addition to the courts, Dill Dinkers will offer ball machines, a pro shop, clinics, private lessons, open play, round robins, leagues, and private events. The event space is designed to accommodate up to 60 people. Court reservations will be managed through CourtReserve, a specialized software for tennis and pickleball scheduling. The facility will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local Visionaries Driving the Project
Hilton Head residents Zach Larichiuta and Dr. Wayne Johnson are behind the lease to transform the former grocery store into a pickleball hotspot. Together, they form half of the Pickleball Brothers LLC., a group dedicated to developing pickleball facilities from Myrtle Beach to Savannah, Georgia. Their vision aligns with the growing enthusiasm for the sport on the island.
Graeme Joffe, a local pickleball pro from South Africa, will serve as the director of pickleball at Dill Dinkers. With seven years of coaching experience on the island, Joffe has witnessed firsthand the sport’s rapid growth. “I can’t wait for people to experience it,” Joffe remarked. He attributes the sport’s popularity to its inclusivity, allowing players of all ages—from seven to seventy—to compete on the same court.
Membership Options and Access
For those eager to join the pickleball community, Dill Dinkers offers several membership packages. An introductory single membership is priced at $475, a couple membership at $875, and a family membership for up to five members at $1,350. These offers are available to the first 200 members, with a projected cap of around 500. Members enjoy a 50% discount on court usage, advanced booking privileges, and reduced rates on lessons, clinics, tournaments, and leagues.
Non-members are also welcome, though they will pay the full price for amenities. Court reservations for visitors can be made only 48 hours in advance, with fees set at $18 per person per hour and $21 per person for a two-hour open play session.
Hilton Head’s pickleball scene is poised for an exciting expansion, and Dill Dinkers is set to be at the heart of this vibrant new chapter.
News in Brief: 1st Indoor Pickleball Complex in Island
Hilton Head Island’s pickleball community is set to grow with the December opening of Dill Dinkers, the island’s first indoor facility. Located in a repurposed Sam’s Club, the 70,000 square-foot space will feature eight Pro-Cushion courts, ball machines, a pro shop, and space for up to 60 people. Local residents Zach Larichiuta and Dr. Wayne Johnson, part of Pickleball Brothers LLC., are spearheading the project. Membership options include single, couple, and family plans, with benefits such as discounted court usage and advanced reservations. Non-members can also access the facility with full-price fees.
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