Dill Dinkers to Open First Atlanta Pickleball Club in West End Development

Dill Dinkers, a rapidly expanding pickleball franchise, has signed a 35,891-square-foot lease to open its first metro Atlanta club at the 1200 White Street development in Atlanta's West End. The state-of-the-art facility, slated to open in the first quarter of 2025, marks a significant step in the franchise's expansion and underscores the growing popularity of pickleball as a recreational sport.

The new club will feature Pro-Cushion® court surfaces, individually fenced courts, event space, and a pro shop. Its location within the 211,585-square-foot mixed-use development at 1200 White Street offers direct access to the Atlanta Westside BeltLine, potentially attracting a diverse range of players and enthusiasts.

Daniel Hardeman, Regional Developer for Dill Dinkers and one of the franchise owners, emphasized the importance of community integration and the BeltLine connectivity in choosing the West End location. The club aims to serve as a community hub, bringing people together and providing a comfortable space for play.

This flagship location will also serve as a training center for future franchisees, signaling Dill Dinkers' intentions for further expansion in the Atlanta market. The company is actively exploring several locations across the city for new franchises, indicating a bullish outlook on the sport's growth potential in the region.

The addition of Dill Dinkers to the 1200 White Street development is seen as a significant boost to the West End's appeal as a destination for retailers and businesses. Evan Ziegler, President of Investments for Ackerman & Co., noted that the pickleball club's decision to open in the area is a testament to its growing attractiveness.

This development reflects broader trends in urban revitalization and the increasing demand for diverse recreational options in city centers. The integration of sports facilities like Dill Dinkers into mixed-use developments could serve as a model for future urban planning, combining retail, office, and recreational spaces to create vibrant community hubs.

As pickleball continues to gain popularity across the United States, the opening of dedicated facilities like Dill Dinkers in major urban areas could have significant implications for the sport's growth and accessibility. It may also influence real estate trends, with developers increasingly considering the inclusion of sports and recreational facilities in their mixed-use projects to attract tenants and visitors.