Madison’s Largest Indoor Pickleball Hub: Madison could open its largest indoor pickleball center later this year. The city’s Plan Commission approved a plan to convert a former Amazon site at 5004 Tradewinds Parkway into a 10-court pickleball facility. The courts may open by late summer or early fall.
A New Use for a Familiar Building
The 28,000-square-foot building sits near U.S. Route 51 and the Beltline. The facility will become part of the Dill Dinkers pickleball chain. Founded in Maryland in 2022, Dill Dinkers is growing quickly across the country.
This would be its first location in Wisconsin. The Madison site is owned by Bret Newcomb. Zach Feldman and Damon Colella are co-owners of the local franchise.
Features for All Skill Levels
The facility will have 10 fenced courts indoors. Players will be able to rent courts, join open play sessions, and meet new opponents. Pickleballs and paddles will also be available for rent.
“All you need are a good pair of tennis shoes or some sort of sneakers that you can run in, and they can come play.” – (Feldman)
Fees for court time and membership are still being decided. Registration will be needed for open play and court reservations.
From Amazon to Pickleball
Renovation work will start after Amazon’s lease ends in May. Newcomb is excited about the switch.
“People that play pickleball are passionate. They drive and they search for the nearest place to play — and sometimes that’s 30 minutes away — just to find a court.” – (Newcomb)
Feldman and Colella have tennis backgrounds and first met in high school. They pitched the idea to Newcomb, who agreed that the building would be a great fit for the sport.
Pickleball’s Popularity Keeps Rising
The Capital Area Pickleball Association had over 1,300 members last year. That number has more than doubled since 2021. Younger players are also joining, helping the sport move beyond its image as a senior activity.
“I’ve been to outdoor pickleball courts, and I’m shocked there are people lined up waiting to get an outdoor court.” – (Newcomb)
Outdoor courts are often crowded and not ideal during bad weather.
“Even in the summertime, to try to play outdoors, it’s windy, it’s cold, it’s rainy — even in the summertime, it’s not ideal to be outdoors playing pickleball.” – (Newcomb)
A Year-Round Option for Players
The new indoor courts will give Madison players a place to play all year. Newcomb expects strong demand from the start.
“I’m sure from day one, these courts are going to be full of people playing this sport. The people that play it, they love it, so I’m really excited that they’re going to be in our building.” – (Newcomb)
The facility plans to be open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
News in Brief: Madison’s Largest Indoor Pickleball Hub
Ten new indoor pickleball courts may open in Madison this year. A former Amazon site will become a Dill Dinkers pickleball facility, offering rentals, open play, and equipment. Renovations begin after May. Owners expect high demand as the sport grows locally. The courts could open by fall 2025.
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