Construction is currently underway, with the venue expected to open in early Summer 2023
Tampa, Fla. (March 7, 2023) – Tampa Pickleball Crew, led by co-founders Susan Forsyth, Jennifer Plummer, Dr. Dené Williamson, and Kayla Goldman, has announced that Tampa’s Gas Worx mixed-use development will soon be home to a 28,000-square-foot indoor pickleball club housing seven courts. The facility, located at 1701 E. 2nd Ave, will be Tampa’s first indoor establishment solely dedicated to what has quickly become the nation’s fastest-growing sport in the U.S., reaching more than 36.5 million players in 2022.
Pickleball’s explosive popularity stems from the game’s condensed court, which allows it to be a more social experience. While players ages 18-34 currently represent the sport’s largest age bracket, its smaller setup results in less wear on player joints, making it an accessible game for all ages. But, the indoor experience will truly make the Tampa Pickleball Crew facility exceptional by allowing guests to enjoy a game regardless of heat, sunlight, or rain. The buildout will revitalize and reimagine the existing 70-year-old warehouse into a covered and weather-resistant experience with lighting, sound, fenced bays, and more.
“We’re thrilled to take the passion of pickleball from retrofitted tennis courts to a custom-built and climate-friendly experience for our athletes,” said Tampa Bay Pickleball Crew partner Kayla Goldman. “Our goal is to create a fun and friendly environment for people of all skill levels to come together, socialize, and play.”
The news comes just as Tampa’s Gas Worx project officially held its groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. The 50-acre Ybor City development is Tampa’s first transit-oriented mixed-use development, located on the TECO Street Car Line and Selmon Greenway. Tampa Pickleball Crew’s location puts players among Gas Worx district’s other entertaining activities. The project will feature 5,000 new residences, over 500,000 square feet of office space, and over 140,000 square feet of new retail. In addition, guests can enjoy the outdoors with 3.6 miles of new sidewalks and 1.2 miles of cycling and running trails.
“Bringing indoor pickleball courts to Ybor seemed like a natural fit,” added Gas Worx developer Darryl Shaw. “The goal is to activate the space with a positive and healthy experience for the entire community.”
Designed to create the optimal experience for avid pickleballers or the incoming novice, the facility will feature seven pickleball courts intended for open and reserved court time, private lessons, clinics and tournaments, corporate/private events, retail, and more. In addition, members can book court time via a convenient app daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., ensuring that comfortable and covered competition is just a few steps away.
The Tampa Bay Pickleball Crew Warehouse will offer memberships ranging from 4 to 30 hours of play each month, and guests can join on a drop-in basis, subject to availability. A limited number of Founding Memberships will be made available in April of 2023, and members will enjoy discounted rates and access to V.I.P. (Very Important Pickleballer) events.
For those who can’t wait to join the pickleball action, the Crew will host its inaugural pop-up tournament on April 1 at Cuscaden Park in Ybor City. Limited space remains, and registration is available at TampaPickleballCrew.com.
Get your paddles ready! The Tampa Bay Pickleball indoor facility is anticipated to open by early summer 2023. For more information on the Crew and its facility or to sign up to learn about membership options, visit TampaPickleballCrew.com.