Cal State LA’s Pickleball Courts: Cal State LA celebrated the grand opening of its new pickleball courts on Wednesday, April 16. Students, staff, faculty, and community members gathered at Greenlee Plaza next to the Student Services Building to try out the eight new courts, built to promote fitness and community engagement.
New Courts Welcome Pickleball Players
During the opening event, the air was filled with the sounds of pickleballs hitting paddles. President Berenecea Johnson Eanes spoke to the crowd, saying,
“This is just the beginning of our commitment to community and entrepreneurship at Cal State LA. Our commitment to the community is deep and it will be intentional, authentic, directional, and quantifiable.” – (Johnson Eanes)
Pickleball is growing quickly across the U.S., with over 4.8 million players in 2022 and an annual growth rate of about 10 percent, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
The new facility is located at Greenlee Plaza and is open for free to students, staff, and faculty. Community members can rent courts for $10 per person, or $480 per hour for full use. Paddles and balls are available for rent.
Excited Players Hit the Courts
Cal State LA alumni George Lopez and Larry Corona were among the first to play on the new pickleball courts.
“I’m glad it’s catching on. I was excited for the campus to add an additional resource for the student. That’s why we’re here. We wanted to see the layout. It will be a great stress-reliever for students to come and get a little exercise in between classes.” – (Lopez)
Corona praised the community aspect of the sport.
“We have a great pickleball community in Montebello. We have all levels; we have people from 14 to 82 years old playing in our community. It could be competitive, or it could be just for fun, depending on what you make of it. It’s challenging.” – (Corona)
Eugene Hutchinson, director of business services, explained the goal.
“It’s something quick and easy for the students to get involved in. If you’re a beginner, it doesn’t take much for you to go onto the courts, pick up a paddle and get involved. That’s what we wanted—get the students back on campus, stay engaged, and fall in love with the sport.” – (Hutchinson)
Students Show Excitement for New Facility
Second-year nursing students Harley Reyes and Mat Han have been looking forward to the courts’ opening since hearing about it through campus emails.
“We were hyped. We texted each other about the email, and we would walk past (the court) every time we went to class and thought it was amazing. We’ve been waiting for the opening.” – (Reyes)
Reyes also said the location would make it easier for him to play.
“It would definitely be easier to play here. I’m an hour’s drive away in the Valley, in Granada Hills. It would be more convenient to set up games here.” – (Reyes)
“We try to get our classmates to play all the time. It’s great that they made a pickleball court on campus.” – (han)
Building Community Through Pickleball
The pickleball courts were built on the former futsal court, now a shared space for both activities. With the addition of the pickleball courts, Cal State LA hopes to create a welcoming place where students, staff, and community members can stay active, meet new people, and relieve stress between classes. The new facility reflects a growing national interest in pickleball and could inspire more campus activities in the future.
News in Brief: Cal State LA’s Pickleball Courts
Cal State LA opened eight new pickleball courts at Greenlee Plaza on April 16. Students, staff, and the community celebrated with free play and activities. The courts are free for students and available for rent by the public. Leaders hope the facility will boost student engagement and campus life.
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