3 Florida Cities Ranked As Most Pickleball Obsessed

The fastest-growing sport in America is showing no signs of slowing down. Now in the warmer weather months, pickleball can be seen (and heard) being played on courts in all corners of the country. In a recent study by Solitaire Bliss, three Florida areas ranked in the top five most pickleball obsessed cities.

"The Association of Pickleball Professionals reported more than 36.5 million players in 2022," Solitaire Bliss begins. Pickleheads, which is an extensive online resource for all things pickleball, has taken their research a bit further. To fully show backing information on what is happening with this phenomenon they provide some statistics that show incredible growth numbers.

For example, pickleball has shown 185.6% growth over the past three years. The forecasted compounded annual growth rate over the next five years is 7.7%. Finally, Pickleheads states there are approximately 10,320 places to play pickleball.

For starters, the 2023 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships was held in Naples back in April. Florida is second to California in states with the most courts in the country.  Furthermore, in Solitaire Bliss' report, the top two pickleball cities in America are in Florida. The third city in the sunshine state comes in at number four. So in short, Florida has three of the top four most obsessed pickleball cities in America. Here they are.

Only Atlanta, Georgia stands in the way of Florida claiming the top three cities.

Organizations like Pickleball Orlando allow players not only enjoy the game, but socialize and create and create a fun social community.

The same can be said for the #1 ranked most obsessed pickleball city. In fact, Miami even has its own Facebook group dedicated to a city pickleball club. A simple Google search on the best places to play here will produce tons of results.

Finally, Florida only has to edge out Hawaii and Massachusetts. The state will then claim the top spot for the most obsessed pickleball area in the country.

The fastest-growing sport in America has made its mark on Southwest Florida. There are now a few exciting new places to play Pickleball in the Tampa region. Perhaps you have noticed your local athletic center turning part of their basketball gym into a Pickleball court. Even Lebron James is onboard, buying into a major league team in late 2022.

Though the sport has been around since 1965, it’s more recently gained major popularity here in Tampa. There are local Facebook groups that share ideas and enthusiasm for the sport. There is also a community named, The Tampa Pickleball Crew that describes themselves as, "a socializing, community, and friendly competition come together through pickleball." This crew is also pioneering an effort to open a new indoor facility in Ybor City this spring. Whether you are looking to learn the game, play competitively or swing a paddle while sipping a beer, Massachusetts now has options to meet your Pickleball curiosity.

Known for being a recreational sport landmark (where numerous MLB baseball players trained), there are also six pickleball courts at Cuscaden Park. Each are dedicated to Pickleball with permanent lines and nets. They are free to use and open from sunrise to sunset.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has its own tennis and pickleball facility. Though a membership is required to play, there are eight courts available and classes you can register for.

Home to the Northlakes Recreation Center, there are eight outdoor courts here in addition to six tennis courts and two racquet ball courts. There’s something for everyone here, with walking trails and lacrosse fields on the grounds. Bring the whole family!

Reservations are available at 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River. There are two outdoor courts in close proximity to public restrooms and water.

The Tampa Bay Times has reported Ybor City’s Gas Worx will open the indoor pickleball courts this spring. It is in part thanks to the Tampa Pickleball Crew, who are leading the efforts. The 28,000-square-foot club will house seven courts. The plan allows for there to be both open times and court reservation options that can be secured via an app.

These four outdoor hard courts are dedicated to Pickleball. There is a full gym schedule dedicated to the game, four days a week. In close proximately to the lake and pool, this facility is open to the public and does not require a membership fee.

Described as an active community, this Oldsmar club has 12 outdoor courts available for Pickleball. The game is offered to members of all ages. There are tournaments, clinics, and social events held throughout the year.

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