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Pickleball Players Demand More Courts
San Diego needs approximately 1,000 dedicated pickleball courts to meet the current demand
Rob Zian
December 28, 2024
Pickleball's popularity in San Diego has surged, leading to a growing demand for dedicated courts. Local enthusiasts, including the Pickleball Association of San Diego, advocate for converting underutilized tennis courts into pickleball courts to accommodate the increasing number of players. They argue that San Diego needs approximately 1,000 dedicated pickleball courts to meet the current demand.San Diego Reader
In response to this demand, several new facilities have been established. The Hub, a state-of-the-art pickleball facility in Spring Valley, features 26 brand-new fenced-in courts and is open to both members and the public for day play.10News
Additionally, Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego has repurposed its northeast corner into a 1.5-acre active recreation zone, which includes two pickleball courts among other amenities. These courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a pickleball challenge court and an open play court designated for enthusiasts.Fox 5
The sport's growth is not limited to recreational play; professional pickleball players are now earning higher salaries than athletes in leagues like the WNBA and NWSL. Collectively, pro pickleball players earned more than $30 million based on salary alone, excluding endorsement deals. NBC San Diego
This financial growth is mirrored in San Diego, where the sport's popularity has led to increased investments in facilities and events. For instance, former NFL quarterback Drew Brees hosted the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament in Encinitas, attracting celebrities, athletes, and chefs, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.Fox 5 San Diego
As of December 2024, the top 10 nationally ranked pickleball players in the USA are as follows:
Men's Singles Rankings:
Collin Johns
Ben Johns
Federico Staksrud
JW Johnson
Dylan Frazier
Dekel Bar
Hayden Patriquin
Pablo Tellez
Tyson McGuffin
Gabriel Tardio
Women's Singles Rankings:
Anna Leigh Waters
Catherine Parenteau
Lea Jansen
Parris Todd
Callie Smith
Irina Tereschenko
Jessie Irvine
Lauren Stratman
Vivienne David
Simone Jardim
These rankings reflect the players' performances over the past 52 weeks, as per the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour's official rankings.PPATour
In summary, pickleball's rapid growth in San Diego has led to increased demand for facilities, prompting the development of new courts and venues. The sport's rising popularity is also evident at the professional level, with players achieving significant financial success and national recognition.