Pickleball Hotspot in Downtown Las Vegas: Pickleball is rising in Las Vegas, with courts filling up at parks, gyms, and recreational centers across the city. The Plaza Hotel & Casino has emerged as a downtown hotspot, offering 13 rooftop courts, discounted fees for locals, and free beginner lessons every Saturday at 9 a.m. Led by player Steve Cole, these sessions provide new players with essential skills and confidence to join the fast-growing sport.
Affordable and Accessible Gear
Newcomers don’t need expensive equipment to get started. While specialized pickleball shoes are available, standard tennis or cross-training shoes offer adequate support.
Cole advises against wearing casual sneakers to avoid injuries. A solid beginner’s paddle can be purchased, and pickleballs remain inexpensive, making it one of the most accessible sports to pick up.
Court Movement and Positioning
Cole’s classes at the Plaza focus on court movement and positioning. He explains that the game involves minimal running, making it beginner-friendly.
Players only cover about 10 feet in doubles, and the non-volley zone near the net, known as the “kitchen,” reduces movement further. For those familiar with racquet sports, adjusting to pickleball is quick and intuitive.
Learning the Game by Playing
Pickleball scoring differs from other sports, with points only won on the serve. Games are played to 11, requiring a two-point lead to win. Cole emphasizes that playing regularly helps new participants overcome initial intimidation, particularly when facing experienced players. His beginner classes ensure players grasp the rules, strategies, and key techniques before stepping onto public courts.
A Growing Community
Pickleball’s popularity continues to rise, growing 311% in the past three years, according to a Sports & Fitness Industry Association report. More than 16,000 locations now offer courts nationwide, including new venues in Las Vegas like Chicken N Pickle, The Picklr, and Electric Pickle.
“If you talk to your neighbors, co-workers and relatives, somebody you know is playing pickleball. The reasons why so many people are coming to our sport is it’s a very easy game to learn, it’s low impact so any age group can play, and it’s just very enjoyable, social and interactive.” – (cole)
He attributes the sport’s success to its ease of learning, social nature, and accessibility for all ages.
Popular Places to Play in Las Vegas
- Plaza Hotel & Casino – 1 N. Main St., daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sunset Park Pickleball Complex – 2601 E. Sunset Road, daily 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Vegas Indoor Pickleball – 7575 W. Sunset Road #110, daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Durango Hills Park – 3521 N. Durango Drive, daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- The Picklr Henderson – 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, daily 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
News in Brief: Pickleball Hotspot in Downtown Las Vegas
Pickleball’s popularity is rising in Las Vegas, with venues like the Plaza Hotel & Casino offering beginner-friendly opportunities. Professional player Steve Cole leads free Saturday lessons, guiding new players on technique, movement, and strategy. With affordable gear and an expanding community, the sport continues to attract players of all ages and skill levels.
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