Legacy Sports Holdings finalized a $2.33 million agreement for a 10-year lease on a 4-acre parcel along Route 50 on August 4. This location is slated to become the largest pickleball center in the region and is only the first of five such centers planned for the Northeast.
Eight Indoor And 15 To 20 Outdoor Courts
The 20,000-square-foot warehouse at Corporate Technology Park, 4 McCrea Hill Road, Saratoga County, NY, will undergo renovations led by the Wilton-based contractor, the JAG Group, LLC.
These enhancements will encompass the addition of eight indoor courts, along with 15 to 20 outdoor courts. Additionally, amenities include a player’s lounge offering beer and wine, state-of-the-art restroom facilities, a locker area, and a pro shop.
“Surpassing Availability”
Michael Xirinachs, General Manager of Legacy Pickleball Club, remarked to Saratoga Today Newspaper, “Anyone can play this game and become proficient in a short period of time.”
The demand for pickleball is surpassing the availability of courts in the local area. A private feasibility study revealed that prolonged wait times due to fully occupied courts were the primary concern for residents, followed by the substantial travel time, with many commuters spending over an hour to reach a playing venue.
Among those surveyed, 94% expressed interest in joining a pickleball club, and 71% indicated they would engage in the sport more frequently if an indoor facility were conveniently accessible.
An Ambitious Timeline
Motivated by previous plans for a facility in Malta that were halted, the Legacy Pickleball Club is executing an ambitious timeline to have players on their courts this fall. Future plans involve a 55,000 sq. ft. addition to cover half of the outdoor courts.
Two years ago, when Xirinachs embarked on this venture as a recreational player, he discovered the benefits of having numerous indoor courts.
This minimizes the need to adapt playing styles, which can be substantially different for indoor and outdoor play in pickleball. The outdoor version is played on asphalt using a harder, faster ball with 40 perforations, resulting in a more dynamic play.
For indoor courts, the ball is softer, lighter, and has fewer, larger holes, altering its impact and grip on the playing surface. Gymnasium floors are also typically brightly lit and marked with a complex assortment of lines to accommodate various sports.
Cushioned Court System
Legacy’s distinctive cushioned court system incorporates seven layers of shock-absorbing materials beneath the playing surface, significantly reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries and knee and joint pain.
With the option to play indoors year-round, players have the opportunity to build experience and confidence, enhancing their swing, timing, and hand-eye coordination.
Welcoming Community
Upon relocating from Long Island, where he co-owned a 100,000 sq. ft. indoor sports dome for six years, Xirinachs was drawn to the welcoming community surrounding pickleball.
Beyond its physical health benefits, Xirinachs, a St. John’s University graduate in psychology and the 2021 founder of The-OliveBranch.com, a website promoting emotional well-being, emphasized the emotional benefits of uniting people of all ages through a shared interest.
General And Senior Memberships
Legacy Pickleball Club offers general and senior memberships, reserved courts, and drop-in open play times.
Courts are categorized by skill level, ensuring beginners are matched with players of similar experience. Legacy also provides paddles and balls as needed.
Among their 10 full-time staff positions, Legacy is proud to have in-house pro instructor Pete Bogarczuk, who offers private and group lessons, league participation, academy programs, and tournament play.
Founding Members Special
Legacy Pickleball Club will launch its Founding Members special in the coming two weeks.
This exclusive offer is available to the first 100 members, who will pay a one-time membership fee and enjoy waived court fees for the entire first year. For updates, follow Legacy Pickleball Club on Facebook and Instagram or visit legacypbclub.com.
