Photo: Jay Willet/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — There's a new haven in town for pickleball lovers.
PickleBos owner Alex Karso opened his first new permanent indoor facility off Dorchester Avenue with 11 pro cushion courts, a bar and a lounge for what is said to be the fastest growing sport.
"We actually have video technology on every court so you can keep live scoring, instant replays, and we have all different types of ways to play whether it's open play, reserved in a court. The beauty of pickleball is that people can come alone and play with others that they've never met before," Karson said.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is one of America's fastest growing past times. The sport combines elements of badminton and tennis and has seen more than a 200% increase in participation since 2020. Head pro Carmelo Carbone played at Babson College. He's running clinics and the 100 Series for beginners and he says patience is key when playing the game.
Photo: Jay Willet/WBZ NewsRadio
"Everyone loves to hit the ball hard and that's great and most racket sports you do. But in pickleball it's more about the patient side of it, the control, and not overdoing it," Carbone stated.
The sport is said to have at least 13 million players across the U.S. and Karso is hoping that some of them start coming to play at his facility.
"Especially in the city of Boston where there's very few in the city and around the city. It's still one of the last few major cities to have a facility of this size," Karso stated.
To help cut the ribbon for the new facility was Boston City Council Member Ed Flynn who shard that he was impressed with the new facility.
"There's a lot of space. Everyone's kind of mixed in with each other having a great time and bringing out the best of the neighborhood."
A second location is coming to Charlestown in the new year.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.
