Knoxville Pickleball Club Boom: Pickleball is booming in Knoxville, Tennessee, where courts are filling up and clubs are growing fast. On any evening, players of all ages meet at places like Pickleville and The Pickleball Playground. Once seen as a sport just for retirees, pickleball is now a popular and thriving business.
The Rise of Pickleville
Kelly Smith, co-owner of Pickleville in Louisville, Tennessee, has seen the sport’s growth firsthand.
“We have five indoor pickleball clubs now. That’s more than cities five times our size. So pickleball is very hot right now in Knoxville, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.”(Kelly Smith)
Kelly Smith got hooked on the game four years ago. He played competitively and even won the Tennessee mixed doubles championship.
“I play competitively now. We, me and a partner, won the Tennessee mixed doubles championship a few months ago, traveled to Dallas for the national championship, and finished fourth.”(Kelly Smith)
At Pickleville, players can use indoor and outdoor courts, shop for gear, and relax in the lounge. Membership costs make play affordable.
“If you’re a member, the fee is $6. If you’re not a member, the fee is $16 for two hours,” (Kelly Smith).
The easy learning curve makes pickleball inviting.
“The attraction with pickleball has been that the barrier to play is very low. You just have to have a paddle, and most folks seem to be able to pick it up very quickly.”(Kelly Smith)
Starting The Pickleball Playground
Across town, Chris Rothermel opened The Pickleball Playground. He moved from California to Knoxville and saw the sport’s promise.
“When we first moved out here, another guy that I know that’s pretty successful said, ‘Chris, if I were you, I would open an indoor pickleball facility,’” (Chris Rothermel).
Chris Rothermel bought a building and turned it into a club with 16 outdoor courts and a lounge.
“This was the second part of our renovations. Phase One was the courts and the lights. Phase Two was the AC and this lounge area, which I think sets us apart from other places.”(Chris Rothermel)
Even though he owns the club, Chris Rothermel rarely plays.
“I don’t play much now. Five kids, three businesses—and if my courts are full, the last thing they want to see is the owner on a court taking up space.”(Chris Rothermel)
Community and Membership
His club hosts leagues, parties, and Special Olympics practices.
“We’ve had young kids, 80-year-old folks, all different sizes and shapes. Everybody can play.”(Chris Rothermel)
Membership fees are flexible.
“A single membership is $35 a month,” (Chris Rothermel).
Some players choose the higher-level plan to save on fees if they play often. Details like high ceilings and special lights make play easier.
“When we bought this place, we spray painted the entire ceiling with white reflective paint. That way, when the light shines up, it shines back down on the courts,” (Chris Rothermel).
Future of the Sport
Kelly Smith thinks indoor pickleball is the future.
“Pickleball is, I believe, transitioning to an indoor sport,” (Kelly Smith).
He noted that wind and weather affect the game outside. For now, both owners are happy to focus on pickleball and community.
“If they have thought about giving it a try, please come out. Most folks that play more than once—if you’ll come out for a second time, you’ll get hooked.”(Kelly Smith)
News in Brief: Knoxville Pickleball Club Boom
Pickleball is booming in Knoxville as clubs like Pickleville and The Pickleball Playground attract players of all ages. Owners Kelly Smith and Chris Rothermel have built popular venues with courts and lounges. The sport’s low barriers and social atmosphere keep drawing in new fans.
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