Center Court Pickleball Club, led by CEO Wayne Morris, has established venues in Gilbert and Glendale and is in the final stages of securing a location in Scottsdale.
A Health Club Ambience
Morris, who recently relocated from New Orleans to spearhead this venture, envisions creating a pickleball experience with a health club ambiance.
Morris has assembled a team of accomplished pickleball professionals, including Ryan Trefry and Jessica Wilcox, to make the facilities the most attractive proposition possible.
The facilities will offer an array of amenities, including players’ lounges, well-appointed locker rooms with showers, as well as provisions for massage and cryotherapy services.
In addition, the club will contain retail outlets for gear, along with food and beverage options. Notably, each location will feature a “tap wall,” offering members a selection of traditional and health-conscious drinks.
“Resource Problem”
Morris, a pickleball enthusiast with a background in hospitality and health clubs, highlights a prevailing “resource problem” within the sport—a scarcity of suitable venues for players.
While there has been a surge in “eatertainment” ventures centered around pickleball, they often fall short in catering to serious players or providing a refined indoor setting.
Morris emphasizes the significance of regulated indoor courts, as weather conditions and heat notably affect the sport’s light plastic ball.
Safety Is Paramount
Safety is paramount for pickleball enthusiasts, notes Morris. Center Court is dedicated to helping individuals enjoy the sport throughout their lives.
Recognizing that pickleball is a sport with longevity that can be pursued at a high level regardless of age, Morris underscores the importance of proper warm-up and stretching routines.
“It’s really important in pickleball for people to be safe,” Morris told Corina Vanek of Arizona Republic. “Part of our mission is to help people play pickleball for the rest of their lives,” he added.
To this end, the facilities will offer designated areas for warm-up and stretching, as well as access to recovery resources like cryotherapy.
Complementing these upscale offerings, each facility will boast a “featured court” that members can use for tournaments or regular play.
The Gilbert location is housed within a former gym and features an interesting court situated within a sunken area, affording spectators an enhanced viewing experience.
Gilbert, Glendale And Scottsdale
Center Court has secured leases in Gilbert and Glendale and is on the cusp of finalizing a location in Scottsdale.
The inaugural Gilbert facility, spanning approximately 30,000 square feet, will house 10 courts and is scheduled to open in late spring of 2024.
The Glendale venue, larger at 47,000 square feet, will feature 16 to 17 courts and is expected to open shortly thereafter in the summer. The Scottsdale location is scheduled to start operations at about the same time.
Membership Prices
Membership pre-sales are set to commence roughly 90 days prior to the opening.
Individual memberships are priced at approximately $139 per month, while Center Court will also offer “crew memberships” at a discounted rate of about $115 to $120 per month for members looking to connect with friends, teammates, or competitors.
The venues will also host special events, parties, tournaments, and other play.
