Royal Pickle Club, billed as Australia’s first integrated pickleball bar, dining, and entertainment venue, is opening in Melbourne tomorrow (6 September).

Located in Carrum Downs, a suburb in Melbourne, Royal Pickle Club is part of a growing trend for competitive socialising. It includes a full-service bar and dining experience, as well as pickleball courts, which can be reserved.

“With pickleball’s rising popularity among groups throughout Australia, we are eager to bring our first entertainment venue concept to the pickleball community,” said Jess Woodcock, venue manager of Royal Pickle Club.

Competitive socialising trend

“Royal Pickle Club is more than just a pickleball venue. We are creating a destination where the excitement of sport meets the comfort of a great meal and a fun social environment,” she added.

Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report.

In Australia, members of the Pickleball Australia Association have increased from 7,500 in January 2024 to 12,648 by June 2024.

Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport played on a court that’s similar in size to a badminton court. Two or four players hit a ball over a net slightly lower than a tennis net.

In more news, crazy golf brand Swingers is opening new locations in Dubai and Las Vegas this year, and another in Boston in 2025.

Also, technology-enabled soccer experience company Toca Football is taking its Toca Social venues to the US, starting in Dallas, Texas.

Images courtesy of Royal Pickle Club