Support Us Button Widget

How and where to play pickleball in Chattanooga

Want to join in on the pickleball craze? Check out these local spots to play the sport.

NOOGAtoday | Pickleball

In a pickle and don’t know where to play the popular game? Keep reading.

Photo provided by Finley Stadium & First Horizon Pavilion

Have y’all heard about pickleball? If you haven’t, it’s kind of a big dill. Pickleball shares similarities with tennis, table tennis + badminton (as well as other paddle ball sports).

It has official rules, regulations, and even its own organization — the USA Pickleball Association. Here’s the lowdown on the game so you don’t find yourself in a pickle:

  • It can be played indoors or outdoors.
  • The court is badminton-sized (20 ft x 44 ft) with a modified tennis net.
  • The pickleball itself is made of plastic + has holes, like a wiffle ball. The paddle is a little smaller than a tennis racket.
  • It can be played as doubles or singles — that means 2-4 people, for those who are new to racket sports.

Now that you know the rules, here are 10+ places where you can play this sport in and around Chattanooga.

Screenshot 2024-02-18 at 6.22.10 PM.png

Folks of all skill levels can have fun with this sport.

Photo by Five Wits Brewing Co.

First Horizon Pavilion
When there aren’t markets or events, you can reserve up to eight pickleball courts with professional-grade nets for $15 per court + rent paddles and balls for $2 per person.

Pickleball Project
Head to Five Wits Brewing Co. + Barrelhouse Ballroom for your next pickleball outing — court reservations are $20 per hour. Paddles and balls are provided with reservation.

Batter’s Place
The pickleball courts are open from sunrise to 11 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.

East Ridge Community Center
Rent one of the rooms in the center to play a game, or check out the Senior Programming Calendar for open pickleball dates and times.

Imagination Station
This Ooltewah park located behind City Hall has four free pickleball courts for the public to enjoy on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus: Beginner lessons are available throughout the year through the Parks and Recreation Department.

YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
Members and seniors can reserve free court time for one-hour increments during available time slots at various branches. Note: If no one has reserved the space, the court may be used as an open gym.

The Hixson Community Center
Check out the calendar for pickleball times, which includes open play and games for beginners.

Ben Miller Park
This St. Elmo spot features several amenities including one pickleball court.

Revolve Pickleball
Head to nearby Cleveland to play at this spot that has 13 dedicated indoor courts, a players lounge, and restrooms with showers. Different memberships are offered as well as visitor rates.

Red Bank City Park
This Red Bank park has six outdoor courts that are free to play at — courts are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: The City of Chattanooga also offers several indoor pickleball options at numerous community centers. These centers provide open play for all levels, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Some centers may vary.

Did we miss your favorite spot to play? Let us know and we’ll add it to our list.

More from NOOGAtoday
On Friday, Sept. 20, PARK(ing) Day will return to Chattanooga.
Prepare for fall weather in Chattanooga, TN with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
As we approach a new season, here are ways to find the classic joys of the fall time in and around Chattanooga.
From Hoff Sauce to MoonPies, Chattanooga’s business scene is truly inspired.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sunday, Sept. 15, and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 15. Celebrate locally at these events.
Meet the five startups in CO.LAB’s Sustainable Mobility Accelerator cohort.
Local middle school teachers can opt into this free program, connecting students to curriculum that addresses ways to enhance urban neighborhoods.
Dread Hollow is back for another haunting season of scares and thrills, and no one is safe from its vengeance.
We’re breaking down the 2023 Economic Impact on Travel Report by the number.
Next time you’re visiting the Hunter Museum of American Art, check out the two-part art installation “Impact Zones.”