Pickleball is sweeping the nation, and the Scenic City is no exception! Invented in 1965, the sport has grown into a popular pastime for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re new to the sport or a pickleball pro, here’s everything you need to know about pickleball in Chattanooga, from what courts the city offers to where to buy the best equipment.
What is Pickleball?
In 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented pickleball to keep their families entertained over the summer. Improvising with a badminton court, ping pong paddles, and a plastic ball, the pair created pickleball with the purpose of providing a game that the whole family could play together.
Today, pickleball is prized for being a fun, social, and friendly game. Played with two or four players, pickleball uses a doubles badminton court, paddles, a perforated ball, and a 36-inch tall net. For the sport’s official rules, check out USA Pickleball’s summary. Pickleball is simple to learn and easy on the joints, making it an ideal game for players of all ages.
Chattanooga Pickleball Courts
Thanks to pickleball’s popularity, Chattanooga has plenty of courts throughout the city. From public courts that operate on a first-come, first-serve basis to indoor courts that can be reserved, here are just a few places you can play pickleball in the area.
Today, pickleball is prized for being a fun, social, and friendly game. Played with two or four players, pickleball uses a doubles badminton court, paddles, a perforated ball, and a 36-inch tall net. For the sport’s official rules, check out USA Pickleball’s summary. Pickleball is simple to learn and easy on the joints, making it an ideal game for players of all ages.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
- Batter’s Place: Located in East Brainerd, Batter’s Place houses five pickleball courts (all recently resurfaced as of December 2024) and is open for public use from sunrise to 11 p.m.
- Ben Miller Park: In St. Elmo, Ben Miller Park offers one pickleball court for players to use.
- Red Bank Pickleball Courts: This park in Red Bank offers six pickleball courts to play on, as well as three tennis courts that can also be used. The courts are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Imagination Station: Just 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga in Ooltewah, Tennessee, the Imagination Station offers four pickleball courts for the public to use at no cost.
- First Horizon Pavilion: Resuming next month, pickleball players can reserve a court at First Horizon Pavilion for $15 per hour, as well as paddles and balls for an additional fee.
Indoor Pickleball Courts
- Community Centers: The Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors department manages a variety of public community centers throughout the city, with nine of them offering indoor pickleball courts. The community centers offer open play for all skill levels Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Revolve Pickleball: In Cleveland, Tennessee, Revolve Pickleball houses 13 indoor courts. Visitors can reserve a court for $36 per hour or become a member for better pricing options. Memberships range from $39 to $99 per month.
- Pickleball Project: Five Wits Brewing Co. and the Barrelhouse Ballroom offer pickleball court reservations for $20 per hour. If you need equipment, paddles and balls are provided with the reservation.
- YMCA of Chattanooga: With four locations in the Chattanooga area, the YMCA allows members to reserve pickleball courts during available time slots. Each location’s available pickleball hours can be found on the YMCA’s website.
Choosing Pickleball Equipment
Other than a court, the sport only requires two pieces of equipment to play: a pickleball paddle and a ball.
Pickleball paddles come in a variety of materials, including wood, graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. The pickleball itself is a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. Outdoor pickleballs tend to be heavier and hard to withstand the wind and harder outdoor courts. Players may also choose to purchase extra equipment, such as grip tape, paddles covers, and more for comfort.
If you’re looking to purchase the best pickleball paddles or other accessories, here’s just a few businesses in the area selling pickleball equipment:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Located in East Brainerd’s Hamilton Place, Dick’s Sporting Goods has a wide selection of paddles, pickleballs, shoes, and other equipment. This store also sells transportable pickleball nets for practice or playing on the go.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: With a location in Hamilton Place and in Hixson, Academy Sports + Outdoors also offers paddles, pickleballs, and other equipment and accessories.
- Top Gear Athletics: Top Gear Athletics is a locally owned business selling pickleballs, paddles, and grips.
- Battlefield Outdoors: Just 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Battlefield Outdoors in Fort Oglethorpe sells recreation and professional pickleball paddles, as well as pickleball starter kits.
Get in the Game!
With its easy-to-learn rules and friendly community, it’s no surprise that pickleball is so popular in Chattanooga. Whether you’re playing for fun, to stay active, or for the competition, the Scenic City has plenty of public courts to use and local retailers carrying high-quality gear. So, buy a paddle, grab your friends, and go try out the nation’s new favorite sport!
