The Ultimate Pickleball Paradise: A new indoor pickleball facility, Dink House, opened in Largo on January 11. This new venue aims to address the growing demand for pickleball courts in the Tampa Bay area, providing four professional-grade courts and various amenities. It’s designed to meet the needs of both recreational players and serious athletes.
A Solution for Growing Demand
Brandon Anandan, a Pinellas County native with a background in professional tennis and pickleball, recognized the need for an indoor pickleball facility in the area. After seeing long waits and weather-related disruptions at local parks, he decided to create a better solution. “I saw people waiting in line to play on courts at parks, getting rained out, or the courts not being in the best shape,” Anandan said. “There’s got to be a better option.”
In just a month and a half, Anandan transformed a 10,500-square-foot warehouse into Dink House. The facility features four indoor courts, 24-hour access for members, a weight section, a sauna, a cold plunge tank, and more. The grand opening event on January 11 saw a strong turnout, highlighting the demand for indoor pickleball spaces in the region.
Dink House Offers a Unique Experience
While there are other indoor facilities in the area, Dink House stands out with its focus on creating a community atmosphere. “We’re not just offering more. We just have a different goal,” Anandan said. He emphasized that the facility is meant to be fun and social, while still catering to those serious about sports and health. Unlike larger, corporate-backed facilities, Dink House strives to avoid becoming just a “social club” where the focus is on partying.
Support from the Pickleball Community
Pickleball players, coaches, and enthusiasts have praised the new facility. Bharat Karunakaran, a professional pickleball player and coach, attended the grand opening and expressed his approval. “Indoor facilities like this are few and far between, especially in this area,” Karunakaran said. “This is the perfect facility for coaching and training or just coming out with a group of friends for some healthy competition.”
Gregory Storm, a pickleball paddle maker, also praised the smaller venue. “I see a lot of bigger venues failing,” Storm said. “This place has more of a local vibe, not impersonal and corporate.”
Anandan’s Background and Vision
Anandan, who started playing tennis at age three and trained with Roger Federer, understands the challenges of building a successful facility. He has worked to minimize risk by keeping the number of courts low to avoid congestion and setting membership fees lower than most indoor venues. “People don’t want to pay $300-$400 a month or more for a pickleball membership,” he said. “Then it becomes a social club.”
As the sport continues to grow in the U.S., Anandan sees a bright future for pickleball. There are currently 40 million active pickleball players in the U.S., and Anandan believes youth pickleball could eventually become a college sport. “Once there’s a route to a scholarship and they have a goal to become a professional, people will train for it,” he said.
The Future of Dink House
Anandan’s plans include expanding Dink House locations across the country. However, the process has been slower than expected due to delays with permits. Despite these setbacks, Anandan is confident in the facility’s potential. “I would’ve done it already if the permitting didn’t take so long!” he said with a laugh.
Dink House is a significant addition to the pickleball community, offering both an exciting new venue and an opportunity for the sport’s growth in the region. With a growing demand for indoor facilities, Dink House sets a new standard in providing spaces for both recreational and serious players alike.
News In Brief: The Ultimate Pickleball Paradise
Dink House, a new indoor pickleball facility in Largo, opened on January 11. Founded by Brandon Anandan, it offers four professional-grade courts, 24-hour access, and various amenities. The facility aims to meet the growing demand for indoor courts, providing a unique, community-focused environment for players of all levels.
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