Riley Watkins

Publisher and Co-founder of Pickleball Club Mag

Power of the Pickle: How Opelika Pickleball is Serving Up Growth and Community Involvement

It is widely known that the popularity of pickleball has been steadily increasing over the past few years. One of the primary reasons for this growth is the innovative approaches that pickleball clubs are taking to attract new members, engage with the community, and organize top-notch tournaments with significant impact. That is exactly what Opelika Pickleball is doing. Since its inception in 2019, Opelika Pickleball has been a hub for pickleball in the southeast United States.

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The Jan/Feb 2025 Issue Is Here!

At Preston Playhouse, their approach to hosting has set a new standard, drawing players, sponsors, and excitement that keeps their club busy. Meanwhile, Epic Pickleball shares their secrets to hiring great employees, outlining five key attributes that ensure a team is not just skilled but also aligned with a club’s culture and long-term vision.

Branding plays a critical role in a club’s identity, and The Pickleball Factory is a prime example of how strong brand presence fosters loyalty and engagement within a community. Similarly, The Pickle Bar is stepping into their players’ needs by taking an opportunistic approach to retail. 

Beyond business strategies, we’re also looking at how location and facility size impact player experience. Santa Lucia Preserve, with its breathtaking natural setting, is drawing players who crave both competition and connection with the outdoors. Back towards the middle of the country, The Grove is proving that even a two-court facility can become a thriving hub for pickleball by focusing on community-first initiatives.

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