Indoor Pickleball Paradise: The Pickleball Athletic Club (PAC), Conejo Valley’s first indoor pickleball complex, will open at the end of April at 2000 Anchor Court. With nine climate-controlled courts, the club aims to meet the growing demand for year-round play and provide a social hub for pickleball enthusiasts.
Filling a Community Need
Pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years, but court availability hasn’t kept pace—especially in the Conejo Valley. Gus Gougas, a Thousand Oaks resident and director of pickleball for PAC, discovered the sport six years ago and has played nearly every day since.
“Pickleball is a very social sport, and we’ve tapped into that. We envision that people will play for a couple hours and then hang out for another hour with their friends, have a drink or something to eat and just socialize.” – (Gougas)
The indoor facility solves a common problem for players—unpredictable weather. Though Southern California is known for sunshine, wind, rain, and extreme temperatures can interfere with games.
“We live in Southern California and the weather is normally beautiful, but we do have winds and we do have days that are really hot or cold or rainy. Indoors, you don’t have to deal with any of that.” – (Gougas)
What PAC Offers
PAC will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing players to enjoy games regardless of sunrise or sunset times. The club features nine indoor courts, heating and air conditioning, and a full schedule of leagues, tournaments, and youth camps. It also offers private lessons for players of all skill levels.
The club’s upscale design includes a 3,500-square-foot reception area and a 1,500-square-foot lounge with TVs, ping pong, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, and a bar. A recovery room provides massage and zero-gravity chairs for post-game relaxation.
“It’s the only one of its kind in the area. There’s a lot of things that we offer that you might not find elsewhere because of the buildout that we’ve done—the very open, welcoming environment with that hotel lobby feel.” – (Gougas)
Membership and Access
PAC offers memberships and public access. Early members receive a special deal, but regular prices are $219/month plus a $199 initiation fee for individuals, or $389/month plus a $399 initiation fee for couples.
Non-members can reserve courts for $60 during peak hours and $40 during off-peak times. Drop-in players can enjoy two hours of open play for $30. Court bookings for non-members can be made up to five days in advance.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 but grew quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic. People turned to it as a safe way to stay active outdoors while social distancing.
A Sports & Fitness Industry Association report named it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with a 52% increase from 2022 to 2023. Most players are aged 25–34, and over a million kids joined the sport between 2022 and 2023.
Looking Ahead
PAC’s opening comes as public and private groups try to keep up with the sport’s popularity. With its climate-controlled courts and luxury amenities, PAC sets a new standard for pickleball in the Conejo Valley.
Its broad offerings—from youth camps to private events—make it more than a sports club. It’s designed as a gathering place, combining fitness and friendship.
News in Brief: Indoor Pickleball Paradise
Pickleball Athletic Club, Conejo Valley’s first indoor pickleball facility, opens later this month in Thousand Oaks. With nine climate-controlled pickleball courts, lounge space, and recovery areas, PAC offers memberships and drop-in access. The club fills a gap in court availability and supports growing interest in the sport.
ALSO READ: Rotary Club’s Pickleball Event Unites Community for a Major Cause