Pickle Pad to Open in Newport News Amid National Pickleball Boom
New indoor venue to offer games and other entertainments, as well as dining options
A new entertainment venue dedicated to America’s fastest-growing sport is coming to Newport News. The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball and social experience brand, has announced plans to open a location in the city as part of a three-city expansion set for the third quarter of 2025. Additional venues are planned for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and St. George, Utah.
Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a perforated plastic ball, it's easy to learn, low-impact, and accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
The Newport News site will be part of a nationwide rollout by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company launched by NRD Capital that focuses on franchised indoor family entertainment concepts. Indoor Active Brands also owns Altitude Trampoline Park, which operates nearly 100 locations worldwide.
The Pickle Pad combines multiple indoor pickleball courts with family-friendly entertainment, event space, and a chef-driven restaurant called Crave Social Eatery. In addition to pickleball, the venue will feature games like cornhole, mini-golf, foosball, and shuffleboard, aiming to serve casual players, families, and competitive athletes alike.
The company says it is targeting the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, including Virginia, due to strong regional demand for indoor courts and rising interest in year-round pickleball access. Seven parks are already secured in Virginia and South Carolina, and the brand is actively recruiting franchise partners throughout North Carolina and Georgia.
Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. According to USA Pickleball, there were nearly 20 million active players in 2024, a 45.8% increase from the year prior. Virginia alone is home to more than 480 pickleball locations, reflecting national growth trends. New courts and entertainment venues are in high demand, with the U.S. expected to need over $850 million in court construction investment over the next decade.
Each Pickle Pad location operates seven days a week and offers event hosting, rental equipment, and optional memberships. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, especially for group play. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, noting that players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the sport, which is played at a slower pace than tennis and requires minimal gear.
In addition to recreational play, the Newport News Pickle Pad is expected to host clinics, leagues, tournaments, and social events. The company says its mission is to foster community and promote healthy lifestyles, while also supporting local charities, schools, and pickleball associations.
As The Pickle Pad prepares to open in Newport News, it joins a growing wave of pickleball-focused developments across the country—offering more than just a place to play, but a place to gather, eat, and connect.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post using AI and these sources:
The Pickle Pad Accelerates Nationwide Expansion with Fall Debuts in Three New Cities
The Pickle Pad - About
Indoor Active Brands Announces New Leadership Hires and Promotions
2024 USA Pickleball - Annual Facts & Highlights
Pickleball statistics - the numbers behind America's fastest-growing sport