Dill Dinkers has opened its second San Antonio location near the University of Texas at San Antonio, making it the largest indoor pickleball facility within city limits. The 24,000-square-foot club features 10 indoor courts and is designed to serve players across all skill levels with year-round, climate-controlled play.
The facility includes two dedicated social areas, sound-dampening materials, ProCushion court surfaces, individually fenced courts and LED sports lighting. The club also uses outdoor balls on outdoor-style surfaces within an indoor environment — a setup intended to give players consistent conditions regardless of weather.
A fully stocked pro shop, powered by Pickleball Central, carries paddles, balls and accessories, with demo gear and exclusive pricing available to members.
The new location will include UTSA students on staff as part of a growing partnership with the university and creating opportunities for student-athletes to work with players of all skill levels.
“This location brings more players together and creates a better overall experience on the court,” said Brian Birdy, the franchise owner and regional developer for Dill Dinkers. “We’ve built a space that’s easy to enjoy, whether you’re new to the game or play regularly, and working with UTSA student-athletes as part of our coaching team keeps us connected to the local community.”
By tapping into a nearby university’s athletic talent pool, the club can simultaneously elevate programming quality, build local credibility and create a natural pipeline of engaged staff.
With Dill Dinkers’ flexible membership, members can gain access to the new location as well as all locations in the U.S. The model presents a natural fit for the UTSA student-athletes and players on staff — many of whom may return home out of state during breaks — giving them continued access to a familiar brand and consistent court experience wherever they are.
To mark the opening, the club is offering a 90-day trial membership for $89 and a BOGO promotion on select programming, including leagues and open play, through March.
The location is also launching a Newbie + Beginner Academy, a seven-week, coach-led program built for players with little to no experience. No equipment is required — paddles and balls are available to borrow — and the program is designed to help newcomers build confidence before entering open play or leagues.
The structured beginner pathway reflects a broader imperative for indoor pickleball operators: retaining new players requires more than open court time. Purpose-built onboarding programming can be the difference between a one-time visitor and a long-term member.
Brian and Karen Birdy also own the Dill Dinkers Blanco Market location and bring more than 20 years of franchising and operational experience to the expansion. The couple plans to open up to 20 Dill Dinkers locations across the San Antonio region.
Gain a competitive advantage
Subscribe to Pickleball Innovators for insider tips, expert insight and the latest trends to help your pickleball business thrive.
Jordan Meek is a staff writer for Pickleball Innovators, where she covers the rapidly evolving business of pickleball — from facility growth and technology to player experience and industry strategy. A graduate of Denison University with a degree in Journalism, she joined Peake Media in 2025 and brings a passion for storytelling and curiosity to every piece. Jordan is driven to spotlight the leaders shaping the sport and uncover insights that help operators thrive in the fastest-growing game in America. Reach her at jordan@peakemedia.com.
