Sideout Sports & Spirits Pickleball Grand Opening: A new recreation spot in Xenia, Ohio, is welcoming players with a weekend of free pickleball. Long’s Sideout Sports & Spirits will open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight on U.S. 42. The facility features six outdoor pickleball courts and a bar, giving residents a fun place to play and relax.
A Space for Connection
Owners Brittini Long and Casey Long created the club to give the community a safe place to gather.
“We just really wanted somewhere for people to go. We live in the middle of the country. There’s not a lot of recreational activity out here.” She added, “People still need to connect.
I think we’re still coming out of the repercussions of the COVID pandemic and we still need social connection.”(Brittini Long)
Courts, Lounge, and Food
The new facility includes shaded seating around the six outdoor pickleball courts. Inside, guests can enjoy an indoor lounge and bar offering beer, seltzer, wine slushies, mocktails, lemonade, and iced coffee. Food trucks will be on site to provide snacks and meals during the grand opening.
Leagues and Open Play
Long’s Sideout Sports & Spirits plans to host beginner-to-intermediate leagues for men, women, coed teams, mixed doubles, and seniors.
“We’re hoping to have enough teams to offer leagues every evening, but it’s just going to really have to depend on the response,” (Brittini Long).
Leagues will cost $50 per person for eight weeks. Open play is available Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $5 per person for a two-hour session. No membership is required, and equipment is available for newcomers.
“Whether you’re new to the sport, it’s definitely a safe space where you can come and play without judgment and hopefully make some new friends in the process,” (Brittini Long).
Plans for Growth
The owners hope to add clinics and lessons for beginners in the future. They also plan to introduce indoor activities this winter, including ping pong, cornhole, darts, music bingo, and trivia.
“We have a vision as business owners, but we want to meet the community where they are. We’re open to feedback. We want people to tell us what they like, what they don’t like (and) what they want to see in the winter.”(Brittini Long)
Looking Ahead
The outdoor pickleball courts will stay open as long as the weather allows. In spring 2026, the Longs plan to add two sand volleyball courts and pickleball classes for adults with disabilities. Their five-year plan includes building four sand volleyball courts and indoor pickleball courts.
News in Brief: Sideout Sports & Spirits Pickleball Grand Opening
Long’s Sideout Sports & Spirits opens this weekend in Xenia, Ohio, with free pickleball play from 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The facility features six outdoor courts, a bar, and food trucks. Future plans include leagues, indoor activities, and expanded courts to serve the growing pickleball community.