Professional pickleball players, local officials, and community members are due to grace the forthcoming grand opening of the Down the Line Sports Center in Fairfax City, Virginia.
Following a soft launch in early February, the indoor pickleball facility at Courthouse Plaza (10390 Willard Way) will formally present itself to the city today. Festivities will commence at 5 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an opportunity to meet six pro athletes hailing from various parts of the country.
Notable Players
These notable players—Rafa Hewett, Connor Garnett, Dylan Frazier, Pablo Tellez, Lea Jansen, and Etta Wright—have been enlisted for an evening of exhibition games starting at 7 p.m. Admission to the exhibition, priced at $50, includes refreshments at the neighboring Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company.
Reserve your place here.
With fewer than 20 tickets remaining as of yesterday morning (Wednesday), Down the Line owner Jenni Bae was enthusiastic about the grand opening:
“We’re really excited about our grand opening tomorrow,” Bae told FFXnow. “Having six Major League Pickleball players here at one time to do an exhibition is a really big deal and something really special that we wanted to bring to the community, so we’re hoping that they enjoy it, and these are the kinds of things that we want to bring to this area moving forward.”
A Successful Soft Opening
Housed in a former CVS location, Down the Line Fairfax contains three full-sized pickleball courts, one half-sized court, and a practice court, alongside amenities such as a players’ lounge and a mini pro shop. Each full court is equipped with a live-updating scoreboard, with courtside TVs soon to enable instant replay viewing for players.
Bae reported a successful soft opening, noting the sense of camaraderie among members, who have quickly formed a tight-knit community within the center. Membership at Down the Line is priced at $45 per month, offering perks such as discounts on court fees, advance booking privileges, and additional benefits, fostering a sense of belonging among patrons.
The support for Down the Line extends beyond its members, with local leaders also endorsing the facility. Approved by the Fairfax City Council in December, construction costs were partially offset by a grant from Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), reflecting the collaborative efforts to bring this vision to fruition.
Collective Excitement
Anticipation for the grand opening extends to the participation of Mayor Catherine Read, FCED President and CEO Christopher Bruno, and other city officials in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the collective excitement surrounding the event.
Bruno commended Jenni Bae and her family’s vision and determination, recognizing the positive impact Down the Line will have on Fairfax City and Northern Virginia as a whole:
“I am blown away by the unwavering commitment and dedication shown by Jenni Bae and her family to reach this milestone,” he said. “Their vision and determination are commendable, and I am thrilled that Fairfax City will now reap the benefits with the unveiling of this newly activated destination for all of Northern Virginia.”
Expansion Planned
The establishment of Down the Line in Fairfax sets the stage for further expansion, with plans underway for a larger facility in Annandale. Covering 50,000 square feet, the Annandale location will feature 18 full-sized courts, golf simulators, a sports bar, and a retail shop catering to a broader audience.
Bae’s team aims to open the Annandale location by late 2024 or early 2025, with members of the Fairfax Center receiving priority access and other benefits. Bae’s overarching goal is to ensure a top-tier experience for all patrons across both locations, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where visitors feel at home.
As Down the Line looks forward to welcoming more individuals and providing diverse offerings, Bae emphasizes the center’s commitment to delivering an environment that resonates with every visitor:
“We’re excited to see more people come in and experience our center and the different things we have to offer,” she says. “Everyone who comes in here, the first thing they notice is the atmosphere and the vibe here is very welcoming, makes you feel very at ease and at home, and that’s exactly what I wanted to provide for the people that come in here.”
Read more about the pickleball scene in Virginia here.
