A Huge Pickleball Club With A Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is Coming To St. Pete
There’s no question about it. Pickleball has pretty much taken over the world in the last few years. With pickleball courts popping up all across Tampa Bay, it’s time to make room for one more. A whopping 45,000 sqft pickleball club with a restaurant and cocktail bar is making its way to St. Pete as the St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club.
One of the wildest trends to come out of 2020 was Pickleball. What used to be known as a retiree game meant as a slower version of tennis has now become a sensation. Tennis courts all across Tampa Bay are making way for new lines for Pickleball courts.
Now, you’ll be able to add another spot to your list that blows the others out of the water. The St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club signed a lease at 2544 Fairfield Avenue South to bring the next big addition to The Factory.
St. Pete Rising says, “The club will occupy 30,000 square feet of existing space on the west side of The Factory property and 15,000 square feet in a new building which will be constructed to accommodate more pickleball courts.”
What Will The St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club Have To Offer?
The man behind the new St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club is entrepreneur Reuben Pressman. Pressman co-owns the Major League Pickleball Florida Smash with Jarrett Sabatini (owner of Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails) and Nathan Stonecipher (owns Green Bench Brewing).
The new facility is aiming to have a country club type of feel to it. There will be 14 indoor pickleball courts for all skill levels, from beginner to pro.
What’s the perk of being a member? Unlimited playtime, members-only courts, members-only lounge, and gardens. Members at the St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club will also receive preferred pricing at the restaurant and pro shop, locker room access as well as the in-house fitness studio.
If you’re looking to switch it up and see what else the club will offer, you’re in luck. There will also be six ping pong tables in the cabana courts, indoor grass and turf paddle courts, and a Mexican racket sport court.
What Are The Restaurant & Cocktail Amenities Like At St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club?
The club is going to offer a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar. Jarrett Sabatini will be the frontrunner on this bringing in his expertise from Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails.
Sabatini says, “We are building this as an experience that everyone, not just paddle sports players, can really enjoy and benefit from. The social club aspect is something missing in St. Pete and we think this is the perfect way to cultivate it.”
If beer is more your style, you’re in luck. Bringing in Green Bench Brewings’ IPA’s Lagers, and stouts, Nathan Stonecipher is aiming to bring the community together through collaboration with many areas of St. Pete’s businesses
The St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club is expected to be open daily from 5 AM to midnight. To learn more about the newest pickleball addition to St. Petersburg, visit their website.
Residents Agree These 5 Things Are Missing In St. Pete
Multipurpose "Food Hall" Space
Tampa has Armature Works, so why doesn’t St. Pete have a similar concept of a food hall/multipurpose space. Unlike the pier, preferably something indoors would be nice!
Outdoor Skating Area
This totally fits the vibe of St. Pete. We’re surprised there’s no public outdoor skating rink of any kind. A partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning would get people out there too! If this ever happens, they better make sure it’s shaded!
Costco
Last but not least on our list is Costco. The closest Costco to the St. Pete area is off Gulf To Bay Blvd in Clearwater. We need one off 4th street or 34th street!
