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Massachusetts Ranked #1 State Obsessed With Pickleball

The fastest-growing sport in America is showing no signs of slowing down. Now in the warmer weather months, pickleball can be seen (and heard) being played on courts in all…

2 pickleball rackets and a yellow ball lay on the court in front of a net.
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The fastest-growing sport in America is showing no signs of slowing down. Now in the warmer weather months, pickleball can be seen (and heard) being played on courts in all corners of the country. In a recent study by Solitaire Bliss, Massachusetts ranked #1 in states most obsessed with pickleball.

"The Association of Pickleball Professionals reported more than 36.5 million players in 2022," Solitaire Bliss begins. Pickleheads, an extensive online resource for all things pickleball, have taken their research a bit further. To fully show backing information on what is happening with this phenomenon, they provide some statistics that show incredible growth numbers.

For example, pickleball has shown 185.6% growth over the past three years. The forecasted compounded annual growth rate over the next five years is 7.7%. Finally, Pickleheads states there are approximately 10,320 places to play pickleball.

So how big is pickleball in Massachusetts?

In addition to the state being recognized, Boston was also singled out for their love of the game. It is the only east coast city to make the top 20. What is even more impressive is that Boston is limited to indoor play only for a few months of the year as we endure New England winters.

However, places like PKL in South Boston blend the game with socializing. This is quite common for many of the public pickleball communities in the Bay State. Even tennis and racket clubs offer pickleball lessons, tournaments, and social gatherings at their facilities.

Massachusetts Own Pickleball Guide

To further prove our love of this game, which is not quite tennis and not quite ping-pong, Mass Pickleball Guide is a resource that provides details on almost every place you can play within the state. In addition, they explain the rules for those just starting out and provide direct links or phone numbers to relevant courts and equipment centers.

Whether you are an experienced player or thinking about stepping onto the court for the first time, As the #1 ranked most obsessed state with pickleball, Massachusetts has options for everyone to fall in love with the game.

Five Great Places To Play Pickleball in Massachusetts

The fastest-growing sport in America has made its mark on New England. There are now a few exciting new places to play Pickleball in Massachusetts. Perhaps you have noticed your local athletic center turning part of their basketball gym into a Pickleball court. Even Lebron James is onboard, buying into a major league team in late 2022.

Though the sport has been around since 1965, it's more recently gained popularity here in New England. Whether you are looking to learn the game, play competitively or swing a paddle while sipping a beer, Massachusetts now has options to meet your Pickleball curiosity.

Here are five unique Pickleball experiences in the region:

5. Pickles - Hanover, MA

This south shore location is open seven days a week. Founded by Pickleball enthusiasts, Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy, Pickles has every interest covered. The facility offers six climate controlled indoor tournament-sized courts, two indoor practice courts, four outdoor courts, a player’s lounge, a viewing deck and a kitchen that serves food, drinks, and a variety of beverages - including beer, wine and malt liquors.

In terms of play, there’s everything from drop-in options to scheduling lesions with professionals. If you're apprehensive about playing the sport and just want to rock the hippest pickleball gear, you can find that here as well. Most of all, this establishment claimed the best name.
www.picklesne.com

4. Southcoast Pickleball - Fairhaven, MA

22,000 square feet of Pickleball fun greets you at Southcoast Pickleball. This spacious facility offers seven full courts. They offer clinics for everyone from first-timers to advanced players. If you’re looking for a unique team-building event, there’s also the option to hold your own private event here.

3. Dennis Pickleball - South Dennis, MA

This has summer fun written all over it. Wixon courts provides 14 perfectly lined outdoor courts. By becoming a member of Dennis Pickleball, you have full access to this facility, as it is reserved for members only from May 10th to October 15th. Through the town of Dennis recreation you are able to not only become part of the group of players but an entire “friends of Dennis Pickleball” community. This a non-profit organization working with the Town of Dennis, to rebuild courts and upkeep the properties. Sign up, grab a paddle and make an impact!
www.dennispickleball.org

Pickleball in MA

2. Newburyport Tennis Club, Newburyport, MA

Don’t be fooled by the name! Three outdoor “Pickleball Only” courts joined the Newburyport Tennis club family in late 2021, and construction on a new fourth court has begun. There are also four indoor courts available on weekend evenings. There are a wide array of fun options available to learn the game here like, “Dril N’ Play” clinics that are set up by level. To meet the demand of this growing sport, NTC has launched social accounts specific to just their pickleball activity.
www.newburyporttennisclub.com

1. PKL - South Boston, MA

Perhaps the most unique pickleball experience in the area, PKL has a major wow factor. From its modern pink and teal branding to its engaging space monkey logo, PKL is a pickleball party. They offer leagues for both “wanna-be’s” and “try-hards” in addition to giving you the option to play cornhole or shuffle board.

PKL offers a wide array of delicious food items in an area offset from the courts. In addition, the menu includes an eclectic drink offering. How about a Fiona Apple Cider? Or - enjoying a Scary Spice Sangria after your match. If you're looking for complete pickleball social experience, PKL in southie is the place to be.

PKL in South Boston
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.