In the heart of Encinitas, California, lies the Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club — a testament to the evolution and popularity of racket sports.
Fifteen years ago, Steve Dawson and his wife Jennifer — both professional tennis players — took a chance on a historic tennis club. Their introduction to pickleball came just a couple of years after acquiring the club. The Dawsons witnessed firsthand the sport’s potential to bring people together in a fun, social setting. This realization sparked a transformative journey for their club.
“We were introduced into pickleball maybe a year or two after we had owned the club, and then the club slowly transformed as pickleball grew,” Steve recalled.
Today, the club boasts 22 outdoor pickleball courts, a dramatic shift from its original seven tennis courts. This growth mirrors the sport’s exploding popularity, particularly in regions like San Diego, known for its active lifestyle and favorable weather.
Additionally, Bobby Riggs has been recognized as one of the premier venues for pickleball in the U.S. Steve has also garnered numerous accolades in pickleball, including multiple US Open and US National Pickleball Championships, a Huntsman World Pickleball Championship, two Canadian National Pickleball Championships, and is renowned as one of the most distinguished coaches in the professional circuit.
One of the keys to the club’s success, according to Steve, lies in its emphasis on community and fun. This philosophy has helped Bobby Riggs become a beloved local hub, where the sport is a backdrop to friendships and community ties.
The club is not just about playing pickleball; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. From hosting round-robin tournaments to allowing players to bring their coolers for a post-game social, the club prioritizes inclusivity and camaraderie over competitiveness.
“First and foremost, we promote that it’s a fun, social sport,” said Steve. “The relationships that develop through the sport, the people you get to meet, are far more important.”
In addition, the club has opportunities for all levels to play and engage with pickleball. “We have leagues for all levels of players, we have in-house tournaments and open play sessions every week for all levels,” explained Steve.
Steve’s advice to anyone looking to open a pickleball facility is rooted in personal connection and gradual growth: “You cannot just build courts and expect people to come,” he said. “It’s a process of nursing and a lot of getting to know the people and establishing relationships.”
The club’s community spirit extends beyond the courts. Bobby Riggs actively participates in charitable events, from hosting fundraisers for cancer foundations to supporting its neighbors, such as a local church. This engagement with the broader community has forged a strong bond between the club and its neighbors, enhancing its role as a community cornerstone.
“Just being friends with your neighbors and trying to be fair to everyone — it seems like karma kind of pulls everything together,” said Steve.
