Pickleball Fever Hits Augusta: Welcomes a new hub for enthusiasts of one of America’s fastest-growing sports, pickleball, with the grand opening of DiNK’D Pickleball on Friday. Nestled at 500 Furys Ferry Rd., this state-of-the-art facility boasts nine air-conditioned courts, catering to players of all skill levels—from novices to seasoned pros.
Pickleball, often likened to a scaled-down version of tennis, has captured the nation’s interest, growing by an impressive 52% from 2022 to 2023 and tripling in popularity over the past three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Despite its name, the sport involves no pickles; instead, it features compact courts and paddle-equipped players volleying a ball reminiscent of table tennis over a net.
A New Vision
Owners Troy and Nancy Akers, drawn to the sport by Nancy’s deep-rooted passion for tennis, initially explored the idea of constructing an indoor tennis facility. However, the prohibitive costs associated with large courts and prime real estate led them to discover pickleball—a sport perfectly suited to Augusta’s climate challenges.
“So, we started looking into it and we saw the trends that were happening, We thought, ‘Wow, that would be fantastic to bring to this area.’ Augusta’s great, but with the heat and the unpredictable weather … we thought, ‘Man, Augusta could really embrace this.”-( Troy Akers )
DiNK’D’S Social Oasis
Beyond its courts, DiNK’D serves as more than just a pickleball haven; it doubles as a social hotspot, offering multiple lounges, bar areas with ample seating, and TVs broadcasting various sports. A chef-inspired menu featuring pizzas, burgers, breakfast items, chicken tenders, and more caters to appetites, complemented by a selection of coffee and alcoholic beverages.
“This is the marrying of hardcore players with social players that want to play a little but also hang out and have dinner,” Nancy Akers noted.
To enhance the experience, DiNK’D also hosts Augusta’s new Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck, stationed outside to add to the vibrant atmosphere.
Operating hours span from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Whether visiting for the day or becoming a regular member, pricing varies, providing options for all levels of engagement.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fever Hits Augusta
DiNK’D Pickleball, located at 500 Furys Ferry Rd., Augusta, opened as a new hub for pickleball enthusiasts, featuring nine air-conditioned courts catering to all skill levels. The sport, often compared to a compact version of tennis, has seen significant growth, with a 52% increase from 2022 to 2023. Owners Troy and Nancy Akers pivoted from a planned indoor tennis facility due to cost and weather concerns, embracing pickleball as an ideal fit for Augusta. Beyond sports, DiNK’D offers a social experience with lounges, a chef-inspired menu, and the addition of Augusta’s Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck. Operating hours and flexible pricing options accommodate varied visitor needs.
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