Rally, a new pickleball venue in Charlotte, North Carolina, has rapidly gained popularity, attracting thousands of pickleball players and fans since opening. With $15 million in private funding, co-founders Meg Charity and Barrett Worthington have created an experience that blends the fast-growing sport with social connection. In just six months, more than 40,000 people have visited the facility, with 75% returning for more than just the game.
Pickleball: More Than Just a Game
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has been rapidly growing in popularity across the U.S. Rally capitalized on this surge, but with a twist: it’s not just a place to play. The founders have designed a space that encourages social interaction, with pickleball as the centerpiece.
The vibrant blue and turquoise courts are surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere that invites people of all ages to connect, making it as much a social destination as a sports venue.
In this way, Rally is part of a broader trend that’s taking pickleball beyond traditional settings. The sport’s appeal isn’t just its easy-to-learn nature but also the way it fosters relationships.
Pickleball’s accessibility has led it to become a popular activity for people of all ages, from casual players to competitive athletes. At Rally, the courts are the venue for friendly matches, but they also serve as the backdrop for a thriving community.
Creating a New Kind of Pickleball Experience
Barrett and Meg wanted to build a place where people could play pickleball but also hang out, enjoy good food, and meet others. The couple designed Rally with a focus on social interaction.
“[We were very] intentional in creating a space that functioned more like a social club or a country club turned on its head. We want it to be as known for the food and the beverage and the vibe as the pickleball itself. So I think it’s great when someone comes for one thing and then observes or sees the other thing.” – (Barrett)
The design of the pickleball facility, with natural light, plants, and warm wood tones, helps create a relaxed, welcoming environment. This approach has paid off as players keep returning—not only for the games but for the overall experience. While many sports venues focus solely on the activity itself, Rally mixes in dining, cocktails, and a sense of community.
“People will say, ‘Gosh, like who expected a pickleball place to have food this good?’ And we’re like, ‘Well, we’re not just a pickleball place.’ We do have really good food. It surprises people, but then they’re back the next day, not in their pickleball clothes and they’re there for the cocktail or the coffee. That’s the goal.” – (Barrett)
This blend of pickleball and social space is what sets Rally apart from traditional pickleball clubs.
Building a Pickleball Community
Rally’s rise is not just about attracting players; it’s about creating a community. This community-building aspect is core to the founders’ vision. They believe that pickleball has the power to bring people together, and they’ve worked hard to make Rally a place where those connections can happen naturally.
“Sports in general are icebreakers and help you make friendships. We created Rally because we wanted a place where friendships could naturally blossom for ourselves as much as anybody.” – (Barrett)
For Rally’s founders, pickleball represents more than just a business opportunity—it’s about connecting people. This commitment to fostering relationships is reflected in the pickleball venue’s design, atmosphere, and events. Meg and Barrett have set a clear goal: to make Rally a hub where people can form meaningful connections while enjoying a great game.
The Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade, and Rally is capitalizing on this trend. The sport has become a favorite for all ages, partly due to its accessibility.
The rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners and more experienced players. As the sport continues to gain traction, more pickleball venues like Rally are opening to meet the demand for courts and places to play.
Rally is not just a place to play pickleball but also an example of how the sport is evolving to fit the needs of modern players. With its unique blend of sport and social engagement, Rally is helping to shape the future of pickleball in the U.S.
What’s Next for Rally and Pickleball?
Looking ahead, Rally’s success shows that pickleball isn’t just a passing trend but a sport that’s here to stay. As the business grows, Meg and Barrett plan to introduce memberships and expand their offerings. They also aim to continue enhancing the player experience by listening to customer feedback and making improvements.
The continued growth of pickleball presents exciting possibilities for recreational and competitive players. As pickleball venues like Rally continue to emerge, the future of pickleball looks brighter than ever. Whether a casual player or a seasoned competitor, Rally is setting the stage for the sport’s next chapter—one where the game is just as much about community as it is about competition.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Venue
Rally, a dynamic pickleball venue in Charlotte, North Carolina, is redefining the sport by blending play with social interaction. With $15 million in funding, co-founders Meg Charity and Barrett Worthington have built a space where pickleball serves as the centerpiece of community engagement.
Since its opening, over 40,000 visitors have embraced the vibrant atmosphere, enjoying not only the sport but also dining, cocktails, and building new friendships.
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