Pickleball Courts in East Tennessee: Pickleball courts are opening rapidly across East Tennessee as the sport’s popularity surges. Tournaments are drawing large crowds, and facilities like the Pavilion of Pickleball in West Knoxville are helping build a growing community. On Saturday, Second Harvest Food Bank hosted a fundraiser tournament at the Pavilion to support its programs.
Pickleball’s Rapid Rise in East Tennessee
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and East Tennessee is no exception. As interest grows, dozens of new indoor and outdoor facilities are opening across the region.
Elize Kikkert and Elizabeth Bentley-Shelton, who work at the Pavilion of Pickleball (POP), have seen this growth firsthand. POP opened nearly five years ago and was the first indoor pickleball facility in Knoxville.
“People really flock to this because it was an activity that they could do. For a while, we had a lot of members because we were the only indoor facility in Knoxville. Now, because we have more [places to play], it’s spread out a little bit more because people from Maryville don’t have to drive a long way here so they go to other places that are closer to them.” – (General Manager Elize Kikkert)
A Sport for All Ages
Once seen as a sport for older adults, pickleball now attracts players of all ages. The competitive style of younger players is also changing how the game is played.
“It mixes around, you know, old people play with the young people. I think it’s changed the game of Pickleball a little bit though because the younger people tend to hit it a lot harder, so I think it changed the dynamics of the game a little bit. Overall, it’s very fun to see.” – (Elize Kikkert)
At POP, the sport is bringing together a wide range of participants.
“During my play, we’ve got a homeschool group and the Summer Cathleagues doing their summer sports camp here. When I first started working for the Knoxville City Parks and Rec, one lady that came and played was 93-years-old and I played with her. Another man was 92 and he was amazing, both of them. Like Elize said, it’s from little to big.” – (Assistant General Manager Elizabeth Bentley-Shelton)
Building Community Through Play
When POP first opened during the Covid pandemic, it gave people a chance to stay active and socialize safely. The sport continues to foster friendships across the region.
“These are people at first you never knew and now big buddies with them. My contact list on my phone that says pickleball, pickleball, pickleball is unreal. It’s crazy and everybody likes everybody, we’re all friendly that’s the good thing.” – (Bentley-Shelton)
New Facilities Across the Region
While the Pavilion of Pickleball was Knoxville’s first indoor pickleball center, many more have followed. New facilities include Pickleball Playground in Karns, Big Orange Pickleball in Strawberry Plains, Premiere Pickleball Club Knoxville, and Pickleville in Louisville. Outdoor pickleball courts are also popular in public parks, including West Hills, Lakeshore Park, and Sam Duff Park.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in East Tennessee
Pickleball is rising across East Tennessee, with dozens of new courts opening. Second Harvest Food Bank hosted a tournament in Knoxville. Players of all ages are flocking to the sport, building a strong community. New facilities and outdoor courts are spreading across the region as interest continues to grow.
ALSO READ: Fairmont Opens New Pickleball Courts at Windmill Park