Pittsburgh's Largest Indoor Pickleball Facility To Debut

PITTSBURGH, PA — The building that housed the former Wheel Mill in Homewood did not stay vacant for long when the bike park closed in March. The old warehouse has been transformed into the city's largest indoor pickleball facility that is slated to open next month.

The Pickleball Warehouse is the brainchild of married Polish Hill married couple Bryan Wigginton and Alexa Gervasi. They intend to make the vast space they are about to debut into an inclusive home for Western Pennsylvania's pickleball community as well as a one-stop shop for player needs.

Wigginton and Gervasi appear to be poised to fill an obvious need in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The exact numbers depend on the source, but there seems to be a consensus that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. In fact, pickleball participation has grown an average of more that 223 percent over the past three years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

According to its website, most of the Pickleball Warehouse's 15 courts will operate on an open play system, where players rotate between courts and competitors. With the open play system, players should be able to find a game at any time without having to organize a foursome.

But the warehouse also will offer courts that can be reserved by groups that seek to play together.

According to the website, lessons will be available and there also will be a pro shop carrying paddles, balls, apparel and snacks.