Pickleball Lines Force Closure of Tennis Courts: The public tennis courts at East Lincoln High School near Lake Norman are now closed indefinitely following significant damage caused by unauthorized pickleball lines, according to a recent update from the school’s athletic director. Chris Matile reported that the pickleball lines, which were taped onto the court, pulled up the existing tennis lines when removed, leading to the closure of the facilities.
In a Facebook post late Saturday afternoon, Athletic Director Chris Matile reported that during a recent use of the tennis courts, pickleball lines had been taped onto the surface. When these lines were removed, they pulled up the competition tennis lines.
“During a recent use of our tennis courts, pickleball lines were taped to the court’s surface, pulling up the competition tennis lines when removed, As a result, the tennis facilities will be closed to the public until further notice,” -(Chris Matile)
Request for Information
Matile is seeking assistance from the public to identify those responsible for the damage. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact him via email. The exact cost of repainting the tennis lines remains unclear, and Matile was unavailable for further comment this week.
Tensions Rise Between Sports
While it is unknown whether the damage was intentional, tensions between pickleball and tennis players have been reported across the country. According to Sports Destination Management, a shortage of courts has exacerbated the divide. In East Charlotte, residents voiced their displeasure last year when Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation converted a basketball court at Sheffield Park into a pickleball court. The county responded by opening a new full-size basketball court and resurfacing a half-court.
“Turf wars” have become a common issue as cities increasingly convert tennis courts to pickleball or create shared courts. Reports from around the country highlight similar conflicts: in Needham, Massachusetts, two pickleball nets were found disassembled after an altercation; in New York City, pickleball nets were slashed and discarded; and in Santa Rosa, California, motor oil was poured on courts striped for both sports.
Pickleball, which grew to 13.6 million players in 2023, remains the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. In contrast, tennis has 23.8 million players, according to the U.S. Tennis Association.
News in Brief: Pickleball Lines Force Closure of Tennis Courts in Lake Norman
The public tennis courts at East Lincoln High School near Lake Norman are closed indefinitely due to damage caused by unauthorized pickleball lines. Athletic Director Chris Matile reported that the tape used for pickleball lines pulled up the existing tennis lines, leading to the closure. Matile is seeking public assistance to identify those responsible for the damage, though the repainting costs are still unclear.
Tensions between pickleball and tennis players are rising nationwide, exacerbated by a shortage of courts. Reports of conflicts include damaged equipment and vandalized courts in various cities. Pickleball, with 13.6 million players, is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
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