Pickle and Taps Expands Pickleball Scene: Wilmington, North Carolina, has embraced the indoor pickleball trend with the opening of Pickle and Taps, a 10-court indoor facility with a drill room on South 13th Street. Owned by Kayse and Jason Beasley, the venue officially opened on New Year’s Eve and aims to offer weather-proof, social, and high-tech pickleball experiences for players of all levels.
The Beasleys, who started playing pickleball two years ago, were inspired by their frequent travel to Brunswick County to find indoor courts during bad weather.
“We had been discussing business ideas for a bit, and after six months of playing, had locked in the idea of bringing Wilmington its first indoor venue.” – (Jason Beasley)
Advantages of Indoor Pickleball
Indoor pickleball courts provide consistent playing conditions, eliminating wind, sun glare, and weather disruptions. Many indoor venues, including Pickle and Taps, feature cushioned flooring, improving ball bounce while reducing strain on players’ joints.
Technology is also enhancing the indoor experience. Pickle and Taps uses AI-powered cameras with Save My Play technology, allowing players to record and review games or share highlights on social media. The facility also utilizes Court Reserve, an app that lets members book court time and schedule private or social play.
Additionally, Pickle and Taps hosts Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) events, giving players a chance to improve their rankings for local, regional, and national tournaments.
“This enables a player to capture a game or training session for review with a coach or to capture and post highlights on social media. We also use Court Reserve, an application that allows clients to view our schedule and book private or social play at our facility. And we host Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) events where players can build their rating to play in local, regional and national tournaments.” – (Jason Beasley)
A Mission Beyond Pickleball
For the Beasleys, Pickle and Taps is more than just a sports venue—it’s a community hub.
“Our mission to grow the love of pickleball and foster positive change in our community and our vision is to be the Cape Fear region’s preferred pickleball venue, where all ages and backgrounds are welcome to come socialize, play pickleball and most importantly have fun, is what is most important.” – (Jason Beasley)
Kayse Beasley echoed this sentiment.
“That’s what pickleball did for us. We made friends for life and could have never opened this business without them. We are watching our dream become a reality, fulfilling our values and mission daily and are hanging out with the community that we have built and love.” – (Kayse Beasley)
To encourage social interaction, the facility includes a bar with over 10 local craft beers on tap and plenty of seating, making it a destination for play and relaxation.
“We intentionally designed a facility not only focused on play but on the social aspect of the sport. Hence the taps. We offer a comfortable venue with plenty of seating and a bar with 10-plus local craft beers on tap.” – (Kayse Beasley)
More Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Courts on the Way
Pickle and Taps is just the beginning of Wilmington’s growing pickleball scene. Holly Tree Racquet and Swim Club is moving forward with a major expansion, converting existing tennis courts into 10 pickleball courts and building a 33,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility.
A 5,700-square-foot clubhouse renovation and additional parking are also part of the project, which was unanimously approved by the Wilmington City Council in early February.
Additionally, developers have proposed a 40,800-square-foot entertainment complex at 5601 Oleander Drive. This facility would include bowling, axe throwing, arcade games, and six outdoor pickleball courts.
The Wilmington Planning Commission reviewed the proposal on February 5, and the project now awaits rezoning approval from the Wilmington City Council.
PickleRage to Set New Standards for Indoor Pickleball
Another indoor pickleball facility, PickleRage, is coming to Wilmington, though the exact location and opening date have yet to be announced. According to COO David Smith, the facility will feature CushionX courts for added comfort, advanced LED lighting to reduce glare, and climate-controlled conditions for optimal play.
“It will be more than just a place to play. The club will be a community hub where players of all skill levels can connect, train and compete.” – (Smith)
PickleRage will offer drop-in play and membership perks, including priority reservations, discounted lessons, clinics, leagues, and exclusive tournaments. An on-site pro shop will also provide high-quality pickleball gear and apparel.
“Our programming will be best in class. We listen to our players and design a schedule of events, clinics, tournaments and open play to meet Wilmington’s unique needs.” – (Smith)
Future of Pickleball in Wilmington
With multiple new facilities under development, Wilmington is set to become a major hub for pickleball. Whether at Pickle and Taps, Holly Tree Racquet and Swim Club, the proposed entertainment complex, or PickleRage, players of all skill levels will have more opportunities than ever to enjoy the sport in a social, high-tech, and community-driven environment.
News in Brief: Pickle and Taps Expands Pickleball Scene
Pickle and Taps, Wilmington’s first indoor pickleball facility, opened on New Year’s Eve. The city is also expanding its pickleball offerings with new courts at Holly Tree Racquet and Swim Club, a proposed entertainment complex on Oleander Drive, and an upcoming PickleRage facility. The growing trend of indoor pickleball aims to provide players with weather-proof, high-tech, and social play experiences.
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