Amid the rising popularity of pickleball across the U.S., DFW Indoor Pickleball is carving out a niche for enthusiasts seeking a competitive and climate-controlled environment to play the sport. Launched in January by co-founder Kevin Corley and his partners, the facility has quickly become a beacon for the pickleball community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“We got into it because we were playing pickleball at Chicken N Pickle, which we love, but we wanted more of a competitive atmosphere that was fully indoors,” explained Corley.
The timing of their opening coincided with a snow and ice storm in the area, drawing players to their facility to escape the inclement weather.
As new operators in the burgeoning industry of indoor pickleball, Corley and his team have faced their fair share of challenges, particularly in figuring out membership structures and pricing strategies.
DFW Indoor Pickleball boasts nine indoor courts, with a multitude of membership options for players to choose from to meet their needs.
“It’s an animal to try to figure out because there’s no playbook,” said Corley. “It’s a new industry.”
Through trial and error, the team has honed their approach, relying heavily on community feedback to refine their offerings.
One of the more innovative aspects of DFW Indoor Pickleball is its focus on youth engagement. This summer, the facility launched its first kids pickleball program, aiming to introduce the sport to younger players. Corley believes there is a significant opportunity in expanding youth programming. “There’s a missed opportunity right now,” he said.
For those considering opening their own pickleball facilities, Corley advises clearly defining the type of facility and programming offered. His experience traveling and playing across the southeast has shown him that each facility has its unique atmosphere and target audience.
Corley remains optimistic about the future, proud of being one of the first non-franchise indoor pickleball venues in the area: “We’re just excited to be a part of the community and in that pickleball indoor space,” he said.
