The eagerly anticipated opening of Pickleball America, an expansive 80,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility in Stamford, is at last imminent after unforeseen delays delayed its inauguration, as described on PickleballUnion in July.
Poised To Open Immediately
Co-founder Mia Schipani has recently provided a further update announcing the facility’s finishing touches are underway, and it is poised to open imminently.
This development, touted as one of the largest indoor pickleball complexes in the nation, is situated in the Stamford Town Center.
Patch has reported that Schipani has said “very soon” when talking about its opening.
However, before the ribbon-cutting and soft launch dates are definite, Pickleball America had to carry out the inspection process to secure a Partial Certificate of Occupancy (PCO), a milestone Pickleball America has announced on Instagram is apparently now complete.
Our inspections have been completed! We thank you all for your patience and support. And, we can’t wait to announce our opening date. Stay Tuned!
Pickleball America on Instagram (Friday, September 14th 2023)
Interestingly, The CT Insider reported Lauren Meyer, special assistant to Mayor Caroline Simmons, had said in an email on Thursday, September 14th: “Building, HVAC and electrical inspections were conducted on September 12th and 14th for the fourth floor (of the mall) only.
“The inspections have passed, but there is some documentation still pending as well as zoning approval. They need to pass all inspections in order to receive a PCO.”
A Grand Celebration
Originally slated for a July inauguration, the opening was postponed, but ribbon cutting is planned for next week with a grand opening celebration is now in the works for the end of October.
The CT Insider has reported that Schipani said in an interview on Thursday: “We should be opening and having a ribbon-cutting next week and then a grand opening party in October.”
The facility will introduce its impressive array of pickleball courts in two phases, utilizing the space formerly occupied by Saks Off 5th, which closed its doors in 2021.
The first phase comprises 13 courts spanning 38,000 square feet. Phase 2, encompassing 42,000 square feet and an additional 14 courts, will follow suit in the near future, according to Schipani.
A Coworking Lounge
Concurrently, a “coworking lounge” designed for members is under construction and is intended for inclusion in phase 2. This feature will allow individuals to combine work and pickleball throughout the day.
Furthermore, provisions for lockers, a lounge, a café, and a designated play area for children are in progress. Additionally, the incorporation of showers is under consideration for phase 2.
A “Sports-Tainment” Center
Founded by local Stamford professionals Jay Waldner, Joseph Schipani, Mia Schipani, and Jay Ross, the quartet united their efforts to establish a “sports-tainment” center with a focal point on pickleball, capitalizing on its rapid global growth.
Mia Schipani reported an initial enrollment of 300 members at Pickleball America, with an estimated 500,000 visitors anticipated within the next year.
“This is the fastest-growing sport in America. This is only going to increase those numbers because of the density we have in the Stamford area. That’s why this location is great in terms of the density of people and players,” Schipani emphasized.
As an avid pickleball player herself for several years, Schipani highlighted the accessibility and sociability of the sport. “This is a game that is about socialization and fun, and playing with friends and family. It’s not a club atmosphere. It’s more of a community atmosphere,” she added.
A Diverse Range Of Events
Pickleball America is equipped to host a diverse range of events, from bar mitzvahs to corporate team-building, exhibitions, expos, and large fundraisers. Schipani affirmed, “We are a pickleball community with an event space that can be used for any purpose in addition to pickleball.”
With a capacity of up to 1,000 individuals, Pickleball America also boasts an exclusive in-house caterer. Schipani noted that approximately 30 to 40 events have already been scheduled for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.
Stamford Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan expressed the city’s enthusiasm for the impending opening of Pickleball America, emphasizing its potential to showcase Stamford as a distinctive destination.
While the focus is undeniably on pickleball, the center is poised to highlight Stamford’s vibrant offerings, from dining options to co-working spaces, making it an all-encompassing experience for visitors.
Pickleball America
Pickleball America offers a standard membership at $199 per person, with discounted rates of $99 available for students, seniors, first responders, and government employees. Additionally, tiered family memberships are accessible.
Members enrolling in September will receive a complimentary day of doggy daycare at the brand-new Luxury Dog Resort in Stamford.
Registration is currently open for family, corporate, house, and inter-club leagues. These will comprise two independent 12-week sessions running from November to February and February to May.
From October 13th to 15th, a Nike adult pickleball camp will be hosted, led by the head of pickleball for the state of Florida, Andy Rubenstein.
The camp promises an intensive crash course in the sport. Paddles and balls will be provided, with Pickleball America partnering with two distinguished gear companies to offer over a dozen varieties of professional paddles for players to trial.
Supplementing a dedicated team of full-time staff, a cadre of “Pickleball Ambassadors” from various towns will be present, all trained in CPR and equipped with on-site defibrillators.
Pickleball America’s operating hours span from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. For a comprehensive overview of memberships and amenities, please visit their website.
