Floating Courts, Mall Arenas, and Multi-Sport Hubs: Where Pickleball Is Playing Next
Pickleball’s growth is not just about more people playing—it’s about where they’re playing. Across the U.S. and internationally, developers and entrepreneurs are transforming how the sport is experienced, with new facilities that go far beyond the neighborhood park. From floating courts on lagoons to courts inside shopping malls, pickleball venues are becoming as innovative as the sport itself.
The Rise of Floating Courts
Florida made headlines in 2024 when it unveiled floating pickleball courts at the Crystal Lagoons in Pasco County. Set against turquoise water, these courts are built on a lagoon, offering players the surreal experience of competing with waves lapping around them. More than a gimmick, floating courts are drawing crowds for both the novelty and the aesthetics.
This concept has inspired interest in other tourist-heavy regions, where pickleball is not just a sport but part of the entertainment package. Resorts, cruise lines, and lakefront communities are exploring similar builds. The trend highlights pickleball’s ability to adapt and thrive in unconventional spaces, making it more than just a sport—it’s an attraction.
Pickleball Comes to the Mall
Another surprising venue popping up across the U.S. is the shopping mall. With retail spaces shrinking and malls rebranding as lifestyle destinations, pickleball has found a perfect home.
Vacant anchor stores and food courts are being transformed into indoor pickleball arenas complete with seating, lighting, and even bars or restaurants attached. These setups not only bring consistent foot traffic back to malls but also create year-round venues shielded from weather conditions. Families can shop, eat, and then play—or just hang out and watch.
For players in urban areas where outdoor space is limited, mall arenas offer accessibility without sacrificing the social vibe that makes pickleball so popular.
The Multi-Sport Hub Movement
Beyond stand-alone courts, developers are betting big on multi-sport hubs. Facilities now combine pickleball with basketball, volleyball, esports, and fitness spaces. The idea is to create a one-stop destination for recreation and community events.
These hubs position pickleball alongside traditional sports, signaling that it has moved beyond “fad” status. More importantly, they allow cross-generational participation. While parents might play pickleball, kids can join basketball camps or esports tournaments under the same roof. The synergy makes for stronger business models and keeps communities engaged.
Why These Venues Matter
At first glance, floating courts and mall conversions might seem like novelties—but they represent a deeper shift in the sport’s evolution. These creative venues do three key things:
- Broaden Access – By bringing pickleball to unconventional spaces, more people are introduced to the game in environments they already frequent.
- Enhance Community Appeal – Pickleball thrives on its social nature, and innovative spaces turn playing into an experience, not just a match.
- Drive Investment – Unique venues attract sponsors, tourism boards, and developers looking for the next big draw.
Together, these factors fuel pickleball’s expansion from a niche sport into a mainstream recreational and competitive option.
Looking Ahead
As pickleball pushes toward becoming an international powerhouse, expect even more creative venues to emerge. Think rooftop courts in dense cities, cruise ships offering pickleball tournaments at sea, or even hybrid esports-pickleball lounges where physical play meets digital analysis.
The future isn’t just about adding more courts—it’s about making them exciting, inclusive, and adaptable to new audiences. Floating courts, mall arenas, and multi-sport hubs are just the beginning of pickleball’s transformation from sport into cultural phenomenon.
Pickleball’s story is as much about space as it is about players. Where the game is played shapes how it’s experienced—and with each new venue, the sport finds ways to expand its reach and redefine recreation. Whether you’re serving on a lagoon, volleying under a mall skylight, or dinking at a community hub, one thing is clear: pickleball isn’t just fitting into existing spaces—it’s creating entirely new ones.
