Pickleball at the Pier, a new pop-up event, opened at the St. Pete Pier on Friday, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy pickleball through March 16. The courts are open every day with extended hours on weekends.
Pickleball Courts Open Through March 16
The St. Pete Pier has partnered with St. Pete Athletic to offer pickleball courts for the public. The courts are available Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The cost is $5 for an all-day pass, and players can rent paddles and balls for $5 each. No reservations are required, making it easy for anyone to drop by and enjoy the game.
St. Pete Athletic’s Future Plans
This pop-up event is just one part of St. Pete Athletic’s plans for expanding access to pickleball in the area. The company is opening a 50,000-square-foot padel and social club this summer in the Warehouse Arts District, just off the Pinellas Trail.
The new club will feature eight indoor pickleball courts, six covered courts, as well as amenities such as padel courts, table tennis, dining options, a coffee bar, a sauna, and more.
Commitment to Community and Accessibility
Reuben Pressman, the managing operator of St. Pete Athletic, shared his excitement about making pickleball more accessible.
“We plan to do all kinds of things in the community such as this, especially with K through 12 schools and getting youth involved,” he said. “Whatever we can do to play into pickleball’s accessibility to help more people come together around wellness and connection.”
Support from Local Business Owners
Pressman and his partners, including local business owners from Green Bench Brewing Company and Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails, are excited to bring the club to their hometown.
The club will feature a craft beer bar with beers exclusively offered at the venue. The membership-based club will also offer day passes to the public.
News in Brief: Pickleball at the Pier
Pickleball at the Pier offers local players the chance to enjoy the sport through March 16. St. Pete Athletic, behind the event, plans to open a large new club this summer. The goal is to expand pickleball access and foster wellness in the St. Pete community.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Comes to the St. Pete Pier: Join the Fun Starting January 17!