Former pro tennis player opens indoor pickleball facility in Largo
/dink house features four indoor asphalt courts and will also offer a gym, a sauna, and cold plunges | facebook image
An industrial warehouse-turned-pickleball facility for professionals and amateur players is opening in Largo.
Former tennis professional and native Brandon Anandan has converted a 10,400-square-foot building at 8116 Ulmerton Road into Dink House, an indoor four-court asphalt pickleball club for players at all levels.
"The transition from tennis to pickleball was easy," Anandan said to St. Pete Rising. "I found myself competing and winning tournaments. With the long wait times and people not playing properly and hurting themselves, I saw a need for a place like this."
After completing the courts years ago, Anandan has finally got the green light through the permitting process for the club, allowing him to recently open the long-awaited club.
Players must face each other to rotate to the next court | instagram image
Just like traditional court playing, players will face off, rotating to different tiered courts depending on the champion of each game.
"My rule here is that you have to accept the challenge," Anandan said.
Dink House will be open for members and the public at different price points and will offer lessons from a professional trainer.
Additionally, the complex will feature an outdoor gym with showers, a sauna, and a cold plunge spa that will open in January.
Anandan is working with a manufacturer to design high-grade pickleball paddles with a sticker price of around $100 to $150 - a reduced retail price compared to some of the top-brand professional paddles. They will be available for purchase via a vending machine in Dink House in the coming months.
memberships are available and the public is also able to drop-in and play games | instagram image
An annual membership, priced at $199.99 per month, allows players 24/7 access to the facility, unlimited open play, future amenity access, exclusive event invites, and a guest pass.
A monthly membership, priced at $299.99, will offer the same benefits to athletes with the exception of a guest pass.
Dink House may cap its membership at 200 members, who will have all-day access to the facility via a key fob.
Non-members can drop in for $20 and play on a court for up to five hours.
Ball machines will be available for all players.
Those needing to brush up on their skills can work with a full-time trainer at Dink House. Indoor court lessons are expected to cost roughly $80 to $90 per session.
Courts can also be booked for corporate events and parties. Special Olympics athletes will have free game slots at designated times.
Although Dink House is currently open, there will be a grand opening event in early January.
Anandan plans to expand in the local market with three to five more Dink House facilities.
The members will have access to live-feed cameras to see real-time games and check the availability of courts.
Be sure to follow Dink House on Facebook and Instagram for the grand opening date announcement. For information on memberships, visit their website.
