Pickleball Facility Opens in Everett: Pickleball players in Washington have reason to celebrate as Side Out Pickleball Centers has officially opened a new indoor facility in Everett, with plans for a much larger complex in Seattle next year. The Everett Center, located near Paine Field, brings eight brand-new courts to the Seattle metro area, addressing the growing demand for pickleball courts in the state where the sport is officially recognized.
The Everett location, which opened last week, marks the region’s first dedicated indoor, pickleball-only facility, according to Side Out co-founder Dale Garnett. The facility has already proven popular, with over 350 players signing up for memberships. “Memberships are nearly sold out,” Garnett said in a statement, noting that the facility also includes a pro shop and open play opportunities.
A Seattle Facility in the Works for 2025
Building on the success of the Everett center, Side Out announced plans for an even larger facility in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. The 98,577-square-foot Side Out Tsunami Pickleball Center will feature 26 courts and is set to open in 2025. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Seattle Tsunami of the National Pickleball League (NPL).
Garnett emphasized that the new facility aims to host major tournaments and events, such as those sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and the NPL.
“Our team is passionate about the game and this is just the start of what we plan to be a number of championship caliber pickleball facilities across the Northwest and beyond.” – (Garnett)
Side Out’s Seattle center will repurpose a former Pepsi bottling plant, adding to the area’s growing sports infrastructure. Located near the Amy Yee Indoor Tennis Center, the development highlights an ongoing tension between pickleball and tennis players competing for limited court space.
Membership Options and Pricing
The Everett facility offers tiered membership options to accommodate different levels of play. The highest tier costs $1,200 per year, while monthly memberships are available at $75 and $50 per month. For nonmembers, open play sessions are priced at $15, and court reservations cost $30 per hour.
Garnett explained that membership caps will soon be introduced at the Everett center to prevent overcrowding. The facility is open seven days a week, providing ample opportunities for local players to get on the courts.
Pickleball Popularity and Community Impact
Washington, the birthplace of pickleball, has seen the sport explode in popularity over the past few years. With more players picking up paddles, the demand for courts has surged. Side Out isn’t the only company expanding in the area; other facilities like Picklewood Courts and Kitchen and Pickleball Kingdom are also set to open in the region next year.
While the sport continues to grow, the rapid expansion has not been without challenges. Last week, the city of Normandy Park canceled plans to build pickleball courts following public opposition over concerns like noise pollution. Additionally, Seattle Parks and Recreation has adopted a “hub-specific” model to separate pickleball and tennis players, converting select courts into dedicated hubs for each sport.
The upcoming Seattle Side Out facility will address these concerns by providing a dedicated space for tournaments and recreational play. By doing so, it could ease tensions between tennis and pickleball communities while fostering growth in the sport.
Expert Insights and Family Legacy
For Garnett, the opening of Side Out holds personal significance. A Bellevue resident and long-time tennis fan, Garnett shared how his family’s love for racket sports transitioned to pickleball.
“My son, Connor, competes internationally in the Professional Pickleball Association. He grew up playing tennis here locally, and we’ve always been a tennis family. Then, 2 1/2 years ago, he switched to pickleball and he just loves it.” – (Garnett)
The family’s passion reflects the broader enthusiasm for pickleball across all age groups. As the fastest-growing sport in the United States, pickleball has proven to be accessible, inclusive, and highly engaging for players of all skill levels.
Looking Ahead: More Courts, More Opportunities
With Side Out’s Everett facility now open and the Seattle location under construction, the organization aims to establish itself as a focal point for the pickleball community. “We’d like to be the dominant player in pickleball here,” Garnett said, adding that the Seattle center will host large tournaments and attract players from across the region.
“We’d like to be the dominant player in pickleball here. We hope to have some large tournaments.” – (Garnett)
The growing number of courts in Western Washington signals a promising future for pickleball players. Whether through public initiatives or private facilities like Side Out, the goal remains the same: to give players more opportunities to play and compete in the sport they love.
As Garnett and Side Out continue to push forward, local pickleball players can look forward to more courts, larger tournaments, and a stronger community presence in the years to come.
News in Brief: Pickleball Facility Opens in Everett
Pickleball players in Washington have new reasons to celebrate as Side Out Pickleball Centers opens an eight-court indoor facility in Everett. Near Paine Field, it marks the first dedicated indoor pickleball center in the region, with memberships almost sold out.
Following this success, Side Out plans a massive 26-court facility in Seattle’s Rainier Valley for 2025, repurposing a former Pepsi bottling plant. This expansion will host tournaments, provide recreational play, and alleviate tensions between tennis and pickleball communities in the region.
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