Dill Dinkers Arriving Baltimore: Dill Dinkers, aiming to introduce 30 new indoor pickleball venues across Baltimore and Delaware over the next decade, Alex Kukich, a former athlete and current Baltimore regional developer for Dill Dinkers, sees pickleball as the perfect way to stay active and build community, regardless of the weather.
At 38, Kukich is spearheading a significant expansion for Dill Dinkers, aiming to introduce at least 30 new indoor pickleball venues in the Baltimore area and parts of Delaware over the next decade. Kukich expressed belief in the growth of pickleball as it fills a void, similar to what workout classes have filled for other people in their lives.
I believe in the growth of pickleball, It fills a void, similar to what workout classes have filled for other people in their lives.”
-(Alex Kukich)
The sport, which has surged in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, is being embraced across Maryland. Dill Dinkers, self-proclaimed as Maryland’s first indoor pickleball facility provider, was established by Will and Denise Richards of Howard County. They launched their inaugural location in Columbia in November 2022, catering to the increasing demand for this sport, which blends elements of tennis and ping pong.
Dill Dinkers offers a comprehensive array of services including open play, ball machines, lessons, clinics, tournaments, and leagues. In under two years, the company has expanded to five corporate locations and is actively developing nearly 300 more. The Baltimore area already hosts Dill Dinkers facilities in Columbia, Finksburg, and other locations.
Kukich, alongside attorneys Stella Vavas Sabracos and Bob Flynn, is working to identify franchisees to achieve Dill Dinkers’ ambitious growth objectives. Their efforts have already resulted in the upcoming opening of a Dill Dinkers in Cockeysville by the end of the month and a White Marsh location slated for this fall. They are also exploring potential sites in Canton, South Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Baltimore counties, and the Eastern Shore.
Kukich noted that pickleball is experiencing significant growth among individuals aged 20 to 35. He remarked, “We feel like that’s a great demographic for Baltimore City, and we’re really excited about it.”
“One thing that’s important to understand about pickleball is that the sport is actually exploding from people that are 20 to 35 years old, We feel like that’s a great demographic for Baltimore City, and we’re really excited about it.” -(Alex Kukich)
With pickleball being one of the fastest-growing sports in America—boasting approximately 48.3 million players nationwide as reported by the Association of Pickleball Professionals in 2023—its expansion is notable. Maryland currently features about 640 courts, more than half of which are indoor, according to USA Pickleball.
News in Brief: Dill Dinkers Arriving Baltimore
Alex Kukich, a Baltimore regional developer for Dill Dinkers, is spearheading the expansion of pickleball in the region with plans to open 30 new indoor venues over the next decade. Dill Dinkers, Maryland’s first indoor pickleball facility provider, has quickly grown to five locations since its 2022 launch. Kukich highlights the sport’s appeal to the 20-35 age group and its rapid growth nationwide, with 48.3 million players in the U.S. Maryland now hosts around 640 pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity. The upcoming venues include locations in Cockeysville and White Marsh.
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