Austin Crowned America’s Pickleball Capital: Austin has officially been named “America’s Pickleball Capital for 2024” by TeachMe.To, a sports coaching platform for beginner athletes. The city’s rise in pickleball popularity is driven by year-round playing weather, tech-forward facilities, and a young player demographic.
With more than 100 pickleball facilities within the city limits, Austin has become the epicenter of the sport, with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 players in the greater area. Around 3,000 to 3,500 players are registered with the Austin Metro Pickleball Association, which organizes the local pickleball scene.
Growing Demand for Courts
Court reservations in Austin show 70% to 80% utilization during peak hours, with many local facilities reporting growing waitlists. This high demand for courts reflects the sport’s rapid growth and popularity within the city.
Several competitive leagues, like the Austin Pickleball League, provide organized play year-round for players of all levels. The city’s pickleball community is also supported by major corporate involvement, with tech companies integrating pickleball facilities into their campuses.
Austin’s Winning Formula
The rankings from TeachMe.To evaluate cities on five key categories: lesson activity, infrastructure, community vitality, tournament scene, and growth indicators. Austin scored an impressive 91 out of 100, securing its spot as the top city for pickleball in the U.S.
Adrian Montoya, founder of the Eastside Paddle Club in Austin, attributed the city’s pickleball success to “the ease of play, the sociability, and the popularity that has been established in Austin, Texas.”
Texas Cities Dominate the Rankings
Austin wasn’t the only Texas city to make the list. Dallas ranked third with a score of 85, boasting 45 courts and 8,500 active players. Houston ranked eighth with a score of 75, featuring 22 courts and 5,200 active players.
The Top 10 pickleball cities in the U.S. for 2024 are:
- Austin
- New York City
- Dallas
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Scottsdale
- Seattle
- Houston
- Miami
- St. Petersburg
As pickleball continues to grow, Austin’s recognition as the nation’s capital for the sport highlights the city’s thriving sports community and its appeal to pickleball enthusiasts across the country.
News in Brief: Austin Crowned America’s Pickleball Capital
Austin has been named “America’s Pickleball Capital for 2024” by TeachMe.Too, thanks to its year-round playing weather, extensive facilities, and vibrant player demographic. The city boasts over 100 pickleball facilities and an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 players, with high court utilization rates indicating growing demand. Austin scored 91 out of 100 in key evaluation categories, showcasing its thriving pickleball community and securing its top spot in the U.S.
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