In Middletown, Connecticut, with a total construction cost of15 million dollars (about 2.25 billion yen),a large pickleball facility “Pickleball Park” willopen in the summer of 2026.With a total floor area ofmore than 100,000 square feet (about 9,300 m²),it will become the state’s largest dedicated pickleball facility.
The full picture of the facility—18 pickleball courts, plus padel
The core of Pickleball Park is18 indoor pickleball courts.One of them is designed as a stadium court, equipped with mezzanine seats and spectator bleachers. Its design characteristically emphasizes the spectating environment, on the premise of attracting tournaments.
In addition,two padel courtsandand one outdoor court with lighting(with an attached patio) are also provided. Attaching padel courts to a dedicated pickleball facility is still rare even in the U.S., making its positioning as a racquet-sports complex facility clear. All indoor courts are air-conditioned, so you can play comfortably throughout the year.
The background to the development—the redevelopment of 100 Centerpoint Drive
The facility is located at100 Centerpoint Drive, Middletown, CT. Situated between Route I-91 and Industrial Park Road, it also has good access from Hartford and New Haven. Leading the project are the facility’s representative,Rob Keefrider,and development partnerLennie Lebenhaut.。
The city of Middletown certified11.4 million dollarsas an additional investment amount in real property and personal property, and approved a preferential measure freezing the tax assessment for the first two years. It’s a mechanism that raises the assessed value in stages from the third to the sixth year, and it could become a model case of a municipality attracting a large sports facility.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 Centerpoint Drive, Middletown, CT |
| Total construction cost | 15 million dollars (about 2.25 billion yen) |
| Total floor area | More than 100,000 sq ft (about 9,300 m²) |
| Indoor pickleball courts | 18 courts (1 of which is a stadium court) |
| Indoor padel courts | 2 courts |
| Outdoor Court | 1 court (patio with lighting) |
| Hours | 24/7/365 (members-only area) |
| Scheduled opening | open in the summer of 2026. |
| Other facilities | Restaurant, full-service bar, lounge, event space |
Attached restaurant and bar, aiming for a “stay-type” facility
Not only courts—inside the facility are set upa restaurant and a full-service bar,multiple lounge areas, and event space. As a “stay-type community facility” centered on pickleball, dining after play and holding events are also envisioned. The members-only area is accessible 24/7/365, meeting the needs for early-morning and late-night practice.
Local reaction—“a long-awaited facility in the heart of Connecticut”
In an interview, Rob Keefrider expressed confidence that it will “become the largest pickleball facility in Connecticut, and probably at an even larger scale beyond it.”
From the local pickleball community come voices such as, “Until now we had only outdoor courts or small gymnasiums. If an 18-court indoor facility is built, the winter practice environment will change dramatically.”
In the Facebook group “CT Pickleball” too, posts asking about the construction start date are active, showing how high the expectations of players within Connecticut are.
Implications for Japanese Players
A dedicated facility of more than 100,000 square feet is on a completely different scale compared with pickleball courts in Japan. Considering thatPicklr Japan, which opened in Makuhari and Toyosu in April 2026, are on a 6-to-8-court scale, the Middletown facility has more than twice that number of courts.
The idea of attaching padel courts is also worth noting. In Japan, awareness of padel is still low, but overseas, verification of a mutual customer-referral model among racquet sports is advancing. Going forward, pickleball-plus-padel complex facilities may appear in Japan too.
Ripple effects on the industry—the rush of large facility developments continues
In the U.S., while chains such as Picklr, Ace Pickleball Club, and CityPickle rapidly expand their number of locations, community-rooted large independent facilities like Middletown’s are also increasing. Cases of municipalities attracting them with tax incentives have also become no longer rare.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, Center Court Pickleball Club plans a 35,000-square-foot, 13-court facility, and in San Jose, California, Ace Pickleball Club is scheduled to open a 31,000-square-foot, 11-court facility in Q3 2026. Amid intensifying competition among facilities, the “stay-type” model with enriched dining and event functions has become the key to differentiation.
| Facility Name | Location | Number of courts | Area | Scheduled opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Park | Middletown, CT | 21 courts (+2 padel) | 100,000 sq ft+ | open in the summer of 2026. |
| Center Court PB Club | Scottsdale, AZ | 13 courts | 35,000 sq ft | open in the summer of 2026. |
| Ace Pickleball Club | San Jose, CA | 11 courts | 31,000 sq ft | Q3 2026 |
Summary
“Pickleball Park” in Middletown, Connecticut, is one of the largest facilities in the U.S., with a total construction cost of 15 million dollars and more than 21 courts. Its “stay-type” concept—with attached padel courts and a full restaurant and bar—shows a new standard for what a pickleball facility can be. As its summer 2026 opening approaches, it’s worth noting as a case that also serves as a reference for facility development in Japan.
FAQ
What are Pickleball Park’s membership fees?
As of April 2026, the fee structure has not been announced. Rob Keefrider says he will “prepare multiple membership options,” and details are expected to be released before opening.
Why are padel courts attached?
It’s a strategy aiming for the mutual customer-referral effect of racquet sports. Padel, popular in Europe, is also growing rapidly in North America and has high affinity with pickleball players. Being able to experience both at the same facility is expected to improve member retention.
Is it possible to visit or use it from Japan?
Because it’s a members-only facility, advance membership registration will be required, but whether visitor use is possible is expected to be announced going forward. Because the facility design and operating model are a reference for pickleball facility development in Japan, industry stakeholders should keep an eye on it.
