Pickleball Hub in Downtown Honolulu: Downtown Honolulu is about to welcome a new hotspot, centered around pickleball, food, and entertainment. Developers are transforming the former Downtown Walmart location, which closed in 2023, into a vibrant hub for both leisure and sport. The first phase of the project will include six pickleball courts, with plans to expand to 13 to 15 courts in the next phase, offering ample space for both casual and competitive players.
Expansion of Entertainment Options
Alongside the pickleball courts, the new entertainment center, named Forte, will feature various attractions to make it a comprehensive destination. “We’re looking at having some of those nice golf simulators, a comedy club,” said Robby Kelley, Avalon Development’s Executive Vice President of Legal & Development. The aim is to provide visitors with more reasons to head downtown, beyond just sports.
Pickleball Popularity Driving Demand
Pickleball enthusiasts will have the option to pay for either a monthly membership or an hourly court fee. The demand for courts in the area has been high, with local figures noting the competition for space. “There’s always a fight for courts between pickleball players and tennis court players,” commented Keith Amemiya, Chair of the Governor’s Sports Task Force. He continued, “Any opportunities for more pickleball courts is great because that’s one of the issues here. It’s so popular that there’s not enough courts.”
A Convenient, Accessible Location for All
The new center’s name, Forte, pays homage to Downtown’s Fort Street Mall, where the project is located. Amemiya expressed excitement about the project’s potential. “I know it’ll be hugely popular. It’s convenient. It’s a place to go after work, to play pickleball, and also enjoy some food and drink afterwards there as well,” he said. The first six courts will open to the public on January 20, 2025, with the rest of the complex, including shops and restaurants, expected to be completed by 2026.
News in Brief: Pickleball Hub in Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is set to receive a new entertainment complex centered around pickleball. The development will initially feature six pickleball courts, expanding to up to 15 in the future, along with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The project is taking over the space of the former Downtown Walmart, with plans to open in phases. The first six courts will be available starting January 2025, with the full complex expected by 2026. The addition of more courts comes in response to the growing popularity of pickleball in the area.
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