Do It

PHOTOS Massive indoor pickleball facility opening in Ybor City

January 10, 2024
• By Andrew Harlan

January 10, 2024
• By Andrew Harlan

The Tampa Pickleball Crew is bringing the surging sport to Tampa. The four founders, Susan Forsyth, Jen Plummer, Dene Williamson, and Kayla Goldman have announced they are opening a huge indoor pickleball facility in Ybor City inside a warehouse owned by Gas Worx developer Darryl Shaw. They’re taking over a 28,000-square-foot warehouse at 1701 E. Second Ave. It will feature at least eight pickleball courts with renovations set to cost under $100,000.

It officially soft opens on Friday, January 19, from 5pm-9pm. Follow Tampa Pickleball Crew on its website and Instagram for more opening details.

A check in table with white wood paneling at a pickleball club

Once complete, it will feature permanent nets and court dividers. The venue also includes nearly 50 dedicated off-street parking spots, though there’s abundant street parking surrounding the facility.

“The Crew understands what it’s like trying to find available courts and what it’s like to play in the Florida weather… so we are converting a 28,000 square foot warehouse into pickleball courts for us all to play together!” wrote the founders in a joint statement.

indoor pickleball club with 4 blue courts visible inside a warehouse

Picnic tables set up on green turf inside a warehouse.

Susan Forsyth and Jen Plummer are the design masterminds behind the indoor pickleball facility. Dene Williamson is an associate professor of sports business at St. Leo University and sports enterprise account executive for media company Snipitz. Kayla Goldman is the founder and CEO of social media marketing agency Sunny Collabs.

Memberships are currently available, though drop-ins will also be welcome. Those visiting will be able to secure 1- or 2-hour passes to enjoy the courts.

Visit Tampa Pickleball Crew’s website to join their newsletter, and sign up for their firpop-up up tournament. There won’t be any food service on site, however, the owners plan to have local restaurants/food trucks pop up at the club for events. They’ve even teased a pickleball speed dating event (love at first dink).

The club is meant for all skill levels. So the novices and the pros can all enjoy a covered space to play one of the biggest surging sports in the world.