The recently unveiled pickleball complex and fitness center, known as the Hub, is situated within the confines of the historic Alameda Naval Air Station. This erstwhile U.S. Navy air station, which played a pivotal role during World War II, has undergone a transformation since it was handed over to the city of Alameda following the cessation of military operations in the 1990s.
Decommissioned Hangar
The Hub, founded and owned by Ted Angelo, has repurposed a decommissioned hangar that once saw the assembly and repair of military aircraft.
This hangar, along with several others flanking an old airport runway, served as a vital launch point for the Pacific Fleet’s operations post the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941.
Notably, it was also a station where President Richard Nixon, then a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, was stationed.
“We fell in love with the building here,” Hub co-founder and owner Ted Angelo said. “It’s very historical, in an airplane hangar. There are so many unique things about it.”
Military Heritage
Previously occupied by Bladium, a fitness center with indoor soccer fields, the building underwent a swift 2½-month reconstruction, resulting in a separate space for soccer operations.
Retaining traces of its military heritage, the Alameda club showcases features like towering sliding doors, facilitating the ingress of natural light and fresh air.
Former military spaces, once housing offices and observation decks, are now equipped with fitness apparatus, including weights, treadmills, and designated areas for aerobic classes.
Noteworthy is the prominent presence of a large American flag adorning the northern wall.
An Ambitious Vision
The Hub’s ambitious vision includes a total of 15 dedicated pickleball courts, eight of which are already operational indoors. An additional seven outdoor courts are slated for completion by year-end.
On the inaugural day, two courts were already bustling with games, resounding with the distinctive sound of paddle-on-ball.
In a bid to honor its origins, the Hub is in discussions with the operators of the Hornet aircraft carrier, presently a museum, to host pickleball tournaments on board.
Surge In Popularity
The surrounding waterfront area has witnessed a noteworthy transformation, now featuring a blend of mixed-use housing, breweries, and tech enterprises.
Saildrone, an entity engaged in unmanned ocean data collection, occupies two adjacent hangars.
Responding to queries regarding the sustainability of Pickleball’s surge in popularity, Ted Angelo underlines the accessibility of pickleball. While mastery at the highest levels demands technical prowess, it can be readily picked up by newcomers.
“Thirty-five million people (played) last year; fastest growing sport in the country, maybe even the world,” said Angelo. “Nationals is next week in Dallas, which we’re going to. There will be 4,500 playing in the tournament. There are just not enough facilities.”
Four More Facilities
Membership at the Hub, inclusive of access to both pickleball and fitness facilities, is priced at $135 per month, complemented by a one-time drop-in fee of $25.
The Hub Silicon Valley in Campbell and two additional hubs in San Diego collectively boast approximately 700 members since their inception in January.
The group’s expansion plans include the establishment of four more pickleball facilities, including one in the Bay Area, another on the Central Coast, and two in Orange County.
