Macon-Bibb County, in conjunction with the Urban Development Authority and Visit Macon, proudly announces the official opening of the Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, located in Macon, Georgia.
The news was confirmed as part of the continuing Macon-Bibb County initiative to rejuvenate the former 1.1 million square foot Macon Mall.
As part of the announcement, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events confirmed it will be managed by The Sports Facilities Companies, which also owns PBX Pickleball. This organization connects retired professional athletes with the game of pickleball.
Cutting-Edge Complex
This cutting-edge complex will boast 32 courts – 16 on the upper level and 16 on the lower level, organized into four pods of four courts each.
Spanning 150,000 square feet, the facility will provide climate-controlled courts, day-use lockers, showers, and a Pro Shop, promising a clean and enjoyable playing environment.
Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events aims to offer an exceptional gaming experience for local players while drawing attention from state, regional, and national tournaments.
Stay updated and find out more about the facility by visiting rhythmandrally.com and subscribing to their email list. You can also keep tabs on their social media presence through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
A Premier Tourist Destination
“We began booking events in this new facility long before construction was complete,” remarked Gary Wheat, CEO of Visit Macon.
“Macon continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination – which is evident by it being named one of the best destinations to visit in 2024 by Travel+Leisure Magazine.
“The sports (and especially pickleball) market is excited, and we look forward to attracting many new groups, events, and regional tournaments to this state-of-the-art sports complex with so many amenities!
“These events will contribute millions of dollars to the Macon economy.”
“A Strong Pickleball Community”
Mayor Lester Miller commented, “We have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people, whether they are local and wanting to learn how to play or are visiting here for a tournament.
“With Rhythm and Rally, I see that community growing even larger, stronger, and closer together, all while attracting larger tournaments. And that’s why I’m proud of who we’re working with to make sure it is an overwhelming success.”
Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon have entrusted The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) with the management and operation of Rhythm and Rally.
A Frontrunner In Sports And Recreation
SFC stands as a frontrunner in sports, recreation, and entertainment venue management, currently overseeing 50+ facilities across 20 states. Guided by a mission to enhance community health and economic vitality, the company is dedicated to delivering top-notch service.
In partnership with Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon, SFC spearheaded an extensive process encompassing branding, naming, and logo creation for Rhythm and Rally.
Leveraging its profound expertise, the company meticulously crafted a brand identity resonating with the essence of the sport, the community, and the anticipated patrons of the facility.
A Standout Brand
The subsequent creation of the logo was executed with precision, embodying Macon’s vibrancy, enthusiasm, and communal spirit towards pickleball.
Every aspect, from color palette to typography, underwent thorough scrutiny to ensure alignment with the vision for Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events.
This comprehensive process underscores SFC’s commitment to fashioning a standout brand in the sports industry, attracting seasoned pickleball enthusiasts and newcomers.
“Significant Economic Impact”
SFC VP of Venue Management Patrick O’Brien highlighted the demand for pickleball facilities, stating, “As the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball facilities are in high demand everywhere.”
“Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon have done a tremendous job transforming the venue into a world-class pickleball facility. We are confident that Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events will bring significant economic impact to the community, attracting visitors from far and wide.
“We will also leverage the Rhythm and Rally to bring the local community together through pickleball and other events that we will host.”
Maximising Potential
Mayor Miller also said, “With SFC, we are bringing in a group with success working with facilities all over the country, and they understand how to maximize each’s potential.
“By having their connections with different sports and types of events, I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to us here.”
Wheat finished by saying, “Sports Facilities expertise in the space of, not only facility management, but event management was an easy decision for us.
“It is a leg up on the competition of attracting large planners and promoters to Macon, Georgia, when the management team is held in such acclaim in other destinations. We look forward to exceeding the expectations of these visitors!”
Experienced General Manager
John Roberts, named General Manager at Rhythm and Rally, brings a wealth of operational experience, having managed sports operations and finance at various levels. Roberts, a passionate pickleball enthusiast, aims to leverage the venue to draw diverse events to Macon, contributing to the community’s growth and happiness.
Roberts said, “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to manage this world-class facility. I’m delighted to use my experience in athletics and help strengthen and grow pickleball here.
“I’m passionate about pickleball, and I know first-hand what it means to this community. This venue will help bring people from all over to Macon for tournaments, conventions, and many other events.
“I’m excited to have a key role in enhancing and revitalizing the Eisenhower Business Improvement District and helping Macon build a happier and healthier community.”
Experience And Passion
Mayor Miller was obviously delighted with the appointment, saying, “In JR, we found someone with a love of both Macon-Bibb and pickleball, as well as a wealth of experiencing in managing large, national tournaments. His experience and passion will be at the core of the success of Rhythm and Rally.”
The venue, situated in the revamped Macon Mall, aligns with a larger revitalization project, including an outdoor amphitheater and the relocation of government offices, fostering long-term positive impacts.
Collaborative Efforts
Mayor Miller emphasized collaborative efforts for sustained community impact:
“We are actively working with businesses and organizations to focus their efforts and to work together on projects that will have years and decades of impact in this area of our county and ultimately the entire community.”
About Sports Facilities Companies
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) are the Nation’s leading resources for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. As a turnkey solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism and recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services.
Their 40+ managed venues and 1500+ team members, represented by the SF Network, welcome more than 25 million guest visits and produce over $250 million in economic impact each year.
To learn more, please visit sportsfacilities.com and thesfnetwork.com.
