Former pro tennis player opens indoor pickleball facility in Largo
/An industrial warehouse-turned-pickleball facility for professionals and amateur players has opened 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 from the City of St. Pete for the club, allowing him to open the long-awaited club.
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 is open for members and the public at different price points and offers lessons from a professional trainer.
Additionally, the complex features an outdoor gym with showers, a sauna, and a cold plunge spa that will open in January.
Anandan is also 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 at Dink House in the coming months.
An annual membership allows players 24/7 access to the facility, unlimited open play, future amenity access, exclusive event invites, and a guest pass.
A monthly membership offers the same benefits to athletes with the exception of a guest pass.
Members have 24/7 access to the facility via a key fob and can view live-feed cameras online to check the availability of courts.
Non-members can drop in for a nominal fee and play on a court for up to five hours. Courts can also be booked for corporate events and parties.
Although Dink House is currently open, there will be a grand opening event in early January.
If all goes well, Anandan plans to expand in the local market with three to five more Dink House facilities.
Be sure to follow Dink House on Facebook and Instagram for the grand opening date announcement. For information on memberships, visit their website.