Ace Pickleball Club, located at 4881 N. Stone Road in Tucson, is making waves in the local pickleball scene. With 13 cushioned pickleball courts available, the pickleball club is ready to offer a unique experience for players of all skill levels, especially those new to the game. The club’s goal is clear: to build a community where everyone feels welcome.
A Vision for Inclusivity
Thomas Gist, one of the operating partners at Ace Pickleball Club, emphasized that the club was created with beginners in mind.
“We’re a club for players of all skill levels. The beginners, the individuals without paddles in their hands right now, are the best members that we can have because they come to the club. They experience what we are offering for the first time.” – (Thomas Gist)
Thomas Gist’s goal is to ensure that no one feels left out, especially in a sport that can sometimes be dominated by more experienced players.
The club’s foundation is built on inclusivity, with Thomas Gist explaining that beginners are not only welcomed but encouraged.
“No one has to apologize for them not being included in our local parks because it’s higher-level players or four friends who get together every day. We are here to build that community.” – (Thomas Gist)
A Promising Start Amid Challenging Conditions
Having opened in October, Ace Pickleball Club is still in its infancy, but early responses have been positive. Despite the challenges of opening during Tucson’s hotter months, the club has seen a steady stream of members.
“You can’t predict this stuff. Weather plays a key factor in this. If you’re opening when it’s 110 degrees out or during monsoon season, it’s obvious, but we’re coming into one of the most beautiful times of the year in Tucson, and we’re still seeing good response.” – (Thomas Gist)
The Facility: A New Kind of Court Experience
At 40,000 square feet, the Ace Pickleball Club offers more than just courts. Members have access to locker rooms with personal locks, a stretch area, and three dedicated warm-up courts. These smaller courts allow players to warm up before stepping onto the main courts.
“(Members) can come in, they can warm up and then hop right onto the courts.” – (Thomas Gist)
The courts themselves are designed with comfort in mind. With eight layers, including a cushioned layer, the playing surface is designed to be more forgiving than traditional courts.
“It’s an outdoor court that’s played indoors. It’s still a pickleball surface but it’s cushioned so it’s more forgiving.” – (Thomas Gist)
Looking Toward the Future
Thomas Gist and his partners saw the potential for pickleball as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and decided to invest. While they initially considered other industries, including food and entertainment franchises, they ultimately chose pickleball due to the lower overhead costs.
Thomas Gist’s passion for the sport made him the perfect fit to help build the franchise, and after 10 months of planning, the club opened its doors. The group is already looking to expand, with plans for a second location in Tucson and eight more across the West Coast and Arizona.
“With that one, I will, basically, do the same thing. Build the club from the ground up, put my heart and soul into it like I did this one, and then hopefully do that eight other times in eight other markets on the West Coast and throughout Arizona.” – (Thomas Gist)
Membership and Additional Offerings
Ace Pickleball Club offers an all-inclusive membership for $99 per month, which includes access to the pickleball courts, professional instruction, and other perks. Each quarter, four paddle vendors will send products for members to test, and if they like a paddle, they’ll receive a 20% discount.
Glow nights, akin to cyber bowling, are held twice a month, and pickleball players can analyze their games using available technology. All balls are provided, and the facility also includes an event space.
Beginner pickleball lessons are available three times a day, and the club’s staff is always on hand to offer support. Drop-ins are welcome for those who want to experience the club before committing to membership.
A Personal Passion
Interestingly, Thomas Gist, who is now deeply invested in the sport, only began playing pickleball a couple of years ago. Despite his enthusiasm for sharing the game with others, he’s found that his role as a club operator has kept him off the courts.
“I’m just so passionate about sharing the game with everybody else that I don’t get to play that much anymore.” – (Thomas Gist)
News in Brief: Ace Pickleball Club
Ace Pickleball Club in Tucson offers 13 cushioned courts for players of all skill levels. The pickleball club, which opened in October, aims to create an inclusive pickleball community, especially for beginners. In addition to the pickleball courts, the facility offers unique features such as warm-up courts, locker rooms, and an events space.
Membership costs $99 per month, with perks including paddle discounts and glow nights. Thomas Gist, a recent convert to pickleball, is focused on expanding the business with additional locations planned across Arizona and the West Coast.
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