This is a guest post written by Gregg Wisecarver
Pickleball isn’t just a sport— it’s a cultural movement sweeping across the United States. While the sport is massively popular throughout the country, the Southeast has emerged as a pickleball powerhouse with several innovative, state-of-the-art facilities calling the region home. These destinations are not just places to play—they’re temples of a rapidly evolving sport that combines the best elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for tournament-level courts or a curious beginner seeking your first rally, these top-tier venues offer something extraordinary for everyone.
Ready to make an impact in your community?
Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events – Macon, Georgia
Macon has truly hit a grand slam with Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events! This massive 150,000-square-foot facility includes an impressive 32 indoor, climate-controlled courts, making it the world’s largest indoor pickleball complex. The venue features 16 courts upstairs and 16 downstairs, arranged in four pods of four courts on each level. Players can enjoy year-round comfort thanks to the climate-controlled environment, which is perfect for escaping Georgia’s summer heat or winter chill.
Rhythm & Rally goes beyond just courts, offering day-use lockers, showers, and a well-stocked pro shop. The facility is designed to cater to local players while attracting state, regional, and national tournaments and bringing $3 million in economic impact to Macon in its first year. The facility is on pace to shatter this mark in year two. Under the management of The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and with John Roberts as general manager, Rhythm and Rally has already become a cornerstone of the Macon community and a driving force in the southeastern pickleball scene.
The Courts, Cape Coral – Cape Coral, Florida
The Courts, Cape Coral, is a state-of-the-art facility that has quickly become the crown jewel of pickleball and tennis in Southwest Florida. Recently celebrating its grand opening/brand unveiling in February 2025, this impressive outdoor complex includes 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts, designed to redefine excellence in racquet sports. The center made a splash last year by hosting the United Pickleball Florida State Championship Series, drawing over 300 competitors from across the state, and selling 245 memberships on opening day alone.
The facility also offers a comprehensive pickleball experience with a fully stocked pro shop, paddle and racquet rentals, and a variety of lessons, clinics, and camps for players of all skill levels.
East Naples Community Park – Naples, Florida
East Naples Community Park is a pickleball paradise that has become synonymous with world-class competition. This sprawling facility features an incredible 65 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts, including six championship courts. All courts feature hard surfaces with permanent lines and nets, ensuring consistent play across the facility.
But East Naples Community Park isn’t just about quantity – it’s about quality and versatility. The park offers tournament-level lighting for evening play, allowing guests to enjoy the game well into the night. Amenities abound, including restrooms, food and drink options, and a pro shop stocked with the latest pickleball gear.
East Naples Community Park is the home of the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. This world-class event attracts top players from around the globe, making the venue the center of the pickleball world for that spring week. Beyond pickleball, the park offers a range of other facilities, including basketball courts, a softball field, and even a lit exercise trail around a lake, making it a true centerpiece for community recreation in Naples.
The PicklePlex of Punta Gorda – Punta Gorda, Florida
The PicklePlex of Punta Gorda stands out as one of Florida’s premier pickleball destinations. This world-class facility features 24 sanctioned courts, all equipped with tournament-level lighting and separated by fences for optimal play conditions. The complex recently expanded its offerings with seven new covered and lit courts for night play and protection from the elements.
A comprehensive set of thoughtful amenities makes The PicklePlex a favorite among players and spectators. Guests are treated to ample shade provided by canvas sails, comfortable courtside bleachers, and umbrella-covered tables. The facility also features an on-site pro shop and plenty of parking to accommodate large tournaments.
Speaking of tournaments, the PicklePlex has hosted some of the nation’s largest in 2024, including the Association of Pickleball Professional Series. The crown jewel of the facility is its new championship court, designed to enhance the spectator and media experience for big matches.
Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Nestled in the beautiful Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center offers a pickleball experience that combines top-notch playing conditions with the charm of one of the Southeast’s most popular vacation destinations. The center features 24 dedicated pickleball courts, all with hard surfaces, permanent lines, and nets.
Among many features, Palmetto Dunes sets itself apart with its commitment to night play. Of their 24 courts, 6 have lights, allowing for games until 11 p.m. This increases the venue’s capacity for tournaments.
Palmetto Dunes goes beyond just providing courts to supporting the pickleball community through a range of programs to help players improve their game, including round-robin competitions, group clinics, and private lessons. For those looking to combine their love of pickleball with a vacation, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers special packages for visitors.
Honorable Mentions: Venues Coming Soon!
Burlington Pickleball – Burlington, North Carolina
Set to become a top-notch facility when it opens on May 9th, Burlington Pickleball will feature 17 meticulously designed pickleball courts, including a dedicated championship court with shaded seating. This facility promises to be a community hub, promoting an active lifestyle and social interaction while having the capacity to host local and regional tournaments.
The Picklr Nashville South – Nashville, Tennessee
Opening in Spring/Summer 2025, The Picklr Nashville South will be a pickleball haven spanning 55,000 square feet. It will house 14 championship-size courts featuring pro-quality surfaces and high-grip Shark Lines. The facility will be equipped with permanent C&D nets, sound reduction baffle matrix systems, and low-glare lighting. Additional amenities will include a full pro shop and private event space, cementing Nashville’s place on the pickleball map.
These facilities are less like a set of courts and more like pickleball palaces designed to elevate the sport and create unforgettable experiences for players and spectators alike. The Southeast is truly becoming America’s go-to for pickleball fun. We can’t wait to see how these amazing venues continue to shape the future of the sport!
