Pickleball Court Shortage in Pensacola: Pickleball is growing rapidly in Pensacola, but local players say there are not enough courts to meet demand. Portside Pickle, led by Wilbur Matthews, is adding new indoor and outdoor courts to meet interest. Players across the city, from universities to churches, are joining the sport in record numbers.
Portside Pickle Brings New Facilities
Wilbur Matthews, 53, heads Portside Pickle, which is converting the former Warehouse 4 on Commendencia Street near the Port of Pensacola into a pickleball venue with 10 indoor courts. While these courts will not be ready until 2025, three outdoor courts are already open, and five more should be completed by year’s end.
Portside Pickle also offers a pro shop, snack shop, and lessons for all skill levels. First-time players can attend a free group clinic, though registration is required.
Pickleball’s National Growth
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four straight years. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports a 311 percent growth in the last three years. Estimates of total players range from 19.8 million to 48.3 million, according to different organizations.
Community and University Support
The University of West Florida has become a pickleball hotspot. Derrick Racine, UWF head tennis coach, helped grow the sport at the university. His son, Luke Racine, 26, former UWF tennis player and now head teaching pro at Portside Pickle, said,
“I was originally a tennis player, and then pickleball just blew up. My dad’s big into pickleball…it’s really much more community-centered than tennis is.”
Church Courts and Local Enthusiasts
Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Gulf Beach Highway hosts daily pickleball play, offering free lessons and open play. Oliver Mercado, 59, teaches and coaches there.
“We play pickleball every day of the week…even if you don’t have a paddle, you can show up and play,” (Oliver Mercado).
Mercado also moderates the Greater Pensacola Pickleball Facebook page with over 4,000 members.
Access Remains a Challenge
Despite growth, local players report long waits for courts.
“When you go to play around Pensacola, you’ll wait four games to play one. Pensacola is always behind when other cities our size are booming with courts… I don’t think the leadership here realizes how big it is.”(Wilbur Matthews)
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Shortage in Pensacola
Pickleball is booming in Pensacola, but courts are limited. Portside Pickle is adding indoor and outdoor courts, while UWF and Holy Spirit Catholic Church offer play and instruction. Local organizers like Wilbur Matthews and Oliver Mercado report high demand and long waits, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth and community appeal.
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