Construction Nearing Completion at The Picklr’s Keystone Crossing Location: Courts and Facilities Set for November Opening
Hey, Indy pickleballers! Today, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive video look at the construction of the Picklr’s brand-new location at Keystone Crossing. Let’s dive into what’s shaping up to possibly be one of the hottest new places for pickleball in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis is about to get a major upgrade in its pickleball scene with the upcoming opening of The Picklr at Keystone Crossing. This highly anticipated venue is set to offer players a premium experience, with top-tier facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a community-focused approach to the growing sport of pickleball.
As construction moves forward, excitement is building not just for the venue, but for what it represents—a significant boost to local recreational options and the region’s pickleball community.
Watch the video below to learn more:
Construction Progress and What’s Next
Located in the heart of Keystone Crossing’s retail district, The Picklr is making rapid progress. The 10-court facility, currently under construction, is set to become a central hub for pickleball in Indianapolis. Becca Hsu, Club Coordinator at The Picklr, shared some key updates on the project.
“We’re getting close! The courts will be going in surprisingly close to the opening date, which we’re targeting for early to mid-November,” says Hsu. “The building is taking shape, and we’re gearing up for our soft launch soon.”
The courts aren’t quite in yet as Hsu mentioned. But as you can see in the video above, they’re making rapid progress getting everything else taken care of including lighting, painting, noise reduction, etc.
With the final touches on the construction expected to begin soon, the facility is on track for its opening timeline. A soft launch is planned for founding members, with a grand opening to follow shortly after, which promises to be a major event for the community.
To see all the updates, check out the video above.
Prime Location for Pickleball Enthusiasts
Situated in the bustling Keystone Crossing retail area, The Picklr is in an ideal spot for both convenience and visibility. With well-known neighbors like the Vitamin Shoppe, Chick-fil-A, and the District Tap, it’s a location that’s easy to access and perfect for post-game meals or shopping.
“It’s a fantastic location for a pickleball facility,” says Hsu. “We’re right in the heart of an active retail area, and the community is already buzzing about it.”
A Personal Passion Turned Career
Becca Hsu’s journey into pickleball is a testament to the sport’s rapid rise in popularity. Originally a physical therapist for two decades, she discovered pickleball during the pandemic through her father and quickly became hooked. Now, she’s helping to launch one of Indianapolis’ most promising new recreational hubs.
“I just fell in love with the game,” Hsu shares. “Like so many others, I started playing every day and soon realized this is what I wanted to do full-time. The opportunity to work with The Picklr came at the perfect time.”
What The Picklr Will Offer
The Keystone Crossing facility will feature 10 courts. The design also incorporates state-of-the-art LED lighting and sound-baffling technology, which reduces noise—a common issue in indoor facilities.
“We’ve made sure the courts will offer a great playing experience. The lighting and sound design are top priorities, along with cushioned courts to help players feel better after extended play,” Hsu explains.
In addition, The Picklr is integrating advanced Wingfield technology into the courts. This system will allow players to track their shot accuracy, pinpointing target areas during drills or solo sessions. It’s a significant step forward for players looking to improve their game with real-time feedback.
Building a Pickleball Community
One of The Picklr’s main goals is to create a community hub for pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. The facility will offer a range of programs from open play to competitive ladders and round robin mixers. Events will be structured to ensure players are matched with others of similar skill, making it easier to get a challenging and engaging game every time.
One Pickleballer’s Opinion
My honest opinion and assessment of the Picklr opening is that it is a very good thing for the average pickleball player.
Indy is a hotbed for pickleball. When I moved here in July of 2023 I couldn’t believe how huge pickleball was here (way bigger than Nashville TN, which is where I moved from). One time someone told me it was because of the investment in the sport in Indy from the Indy Pickleball Club, which in retrospect makes a lot of sense to me now.
Regardless, because Indy is so hot when it comes to Pickleball, more facilities mean more competition which generally means more advantages for the average pickleball player. Lower prices, better amenities, etc. it’s seemingly a win-win.
And with The Picklr being here they’re obviously upping the game as a national brand. They have an incentive to do things right and by the book due to their franchise model. Which again, I think gives a lot of advantages for players.
I think because of this more facilities will also step up their game, possibly reduce pricing, and have to get more creative with their offerings. That could really revolutionize how programming (coaching, clinics, open plays, general offering to a core player base from a facility) is done here in Indy and we could see some really cool effects from that.
I do think it does put some facilities on notice though. Everyone I talk to seems like they are wanting to go to The Picklr. Which means some of the other facilities may start hurting come winter. There are facilities with a more “pay for play” model than a “membership” model. Most of these places have therefore have a poor Open Play situation and honestly, I believe that lends to low usage. Pay for play models don’t encourage you to play often. All inclusive “membership” models do. So, I wonder if the facilities using “pay for play” might actually be in dire straights. But who knows, we’ll have to see.
The only concern initially that I had was about The Picklr thinning out Open Play in Indy. Everyone is already so spread out between local parks and other facilities. One more facility splitting players up seemed like a potential issue. But it seems like with the amount of heat they’re generating they may actually coalesce Open Play more. I don’t know if it’s the branding The Picklr has done or if it’s the word of mouth an investor like Drew Brees brings to the table, but everyone is very excited about The Picklr. And it seems like they may bring together a large mass of people, which means better Open Play. And I believe Open Play is honestly the life blood of Pickleball. It’s what generates the community so many people know and love about pickleball and it keeps people playing. So, if they can bring together players for Open Play even more than normal, suddenly what I was concerned about initially being a weakness is a strength. And a strong one at that.
Again, at the end of the day, I think The Picklr opening is a great thing. Most people I know have already joined through their Founding Membership program or are going to soon. And talk with the people you play regularly with first, but if they’re anything like the people I play with, you may want to jump on this train.
dan hollis says
Good read, Josh! FYI- Indy Pickleball Clubs original president was Marcus Woodhouse and current president is Lisa Farley. Both would be a good interview regarding the growth of the sport over the years.
Joshua Mackens says
DANG! Incredible idea Dan! That just went in the idea folder right there. Shoot any others my way!
Phil Lyons says
Will they be accepting Silver Sneakers for memberships?
Joshua Mackens says
Great question! Not currently. But I’m told there are some programs in the works to possibly align with health insurances. More details will be provided on that as they get closer to opening.
Eugene Pride says
Fantastic read Josh. So much excitement around Picklr. Hoping it also attracts advanced players back to open play as currently advanced play is so darn spread out, or planned/reservation based. If this place can figure that out it will become THE destination!
Joshua Mackens says
Thanks so much! Agreed. I would love to see open play become more concentrated like you mentioned!