Pickleball Kingdom Debuts in Poulsbo: Pickleball Kingdom opened its first indoor facility in Kitsap County on Friday, April 4, bringing 12 indoor courts to Poulsbo’s Olhava neighborhood. The 31,500-square-foot space offers opportunities for all skill levels, aiming to grow community connections through beginner-friendly events and programs.
A New Home for Pickleball in Poulsbo
The new facility is located at 21800 Market Place NW, in a building formerly used by OfficeMax and Big 5 Sporting Goods. It marks Pickleball Kingdom’s 12th location nationwide and its first in Washington state.
Pickleball Kingdom Northwest Chief Operating Officer Mara Hylton said, “We’re gonna have beginner clinics, beginner socials, where beginners can meet each other. It’s our way of growing the community. That’s our big thing — creating community. And a lot of it is around the beginner community.”
The Arizona-based company, which started in Chandler, calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity. The ribbon-cutting event drew community members, local officials, and company founder Ace Rodrigues, who traveled from Arizona to attend.
A Fast-Growing National Chain
Pickleball Kingdom now operates in Arizona, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Rodrigues said he made it a point to be at the Poulsbo grand opening, despite a packed schedule.
“We’ll have over 100 clubs open this time next year, so they’re popping out quickly. I honestly just can’t afford to go out to all of our grand openings right now. But regardless of the conflicts I had, I had to be here at this one,” Rodrigues told Kitsap Sun.
Players can reserve court time online, with a $25 fee for a three-hour block. Hylton also shared that more locations are coming soon. “We’re thinking we can fit 10 (Pickleball Kingdom locations) between like Poulsbo, North Bend, Bellingham to Olympia. If I drew a big circle, I think we could do 10,” she said.
Local Players Show Enthusiasm
Longtime Kitsap player Jesse Gregg, from Bremerton, started playing in 1993. He said anticipation for the new facility was high.
“At least two to three hundred people were already signed up before they even broke ground,” Gregg said. “I want it to be successful, so I can come and then meet other community members. This is a gathering space, if you think about it, not just pickleball.”
Over 100 people had signed up for a one-year membership before seeing the facility. The courts are fully enclosed and include replay screens. Members can watch game highlights and save or share them through the Pickleball Kingdom app.
Margaret Thompson, visiting from Oregon, is related to one of the investors and attended the grand opening. She said, “Everything I see looks well done.”
She also appreciated the enclosed court design. “All courts at Pickleball Kingdom are completely enclosed, which are much better than those that aren’t, because the balls won’t go through different courts,” she said.
What It Means for the Community
The opening of Pickleball Kingdom in Poulsbo brings more than just new courts. It offers a year-round, all-weather venue for social connection, fitness, and fun. With more locations planned, Kitsap County could soon become a hub for the fast-growing sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball Kingdom Debuts in Poulsbo
Kitsap County’s first indoor pickleball facility opened in Poulsbo on April 4. Pickleball Kingdom features 12 courts, beginner programs, and advanced tech like game replays. Over 100 people joined before opening. More locations are planned across Puget Sound, strengthening community ties through the fast-growing sport.
ALSO READ: Discover Pickleball Kingdom’s New Indoor Pickleball Facility in Mount Pleasant!