Pickleball courts are coming to the St. Pete Pier thanks to a collaboration between the City of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Athletic, a local group bringing a 45,000-square-foot athletic and social club to the Warehouse Arts District this spring.

For two months, from January 17th to March 16th, two pickleball courts will be set up at 660 2nd Avenue NE near the Pier’s splash pad for everyone of all skill levels to enjoy.

“We are thrilled to parter with the City on this exciting initiative that furthers our mission to promote active, social lifestyles in St. Petersburg,” said Founder of St. Pete Athletic Reuben Pressman in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “We cannot wait for St. Pete residents and visitors to enjoy playing pickleball on the beautiful downtown waterfront with the St. Pete skyline in the background.”

The courts will be open to the public and reservations or memberships are not required. Just stop by the pier anytime during the event to join in the fun.

It's $5 to play pickleball all day and $5 to rent equipment (paddles and balls).

Staff and volunteers will be on-site to assist and help newcomers learn the game.

During the two month pop-up, the courts will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More information on pickleball at the St. Pete Pier can be found here.

Meanwhile, St. Pete Athletic is expected to open this spring at 2544 Fairfield Avenue South inside The Factory, a 90,000-square-foot arts and culture hub situated on the Pinellas Trail in the Warehouse Arts District.

In addition to 14 pickleball courts, the club will feature six table tennis tables and two indoor grass and turf courts for padel, a Mexican racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court.

The club will also feature a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar helmed by Jarrett Sabatini, who owns Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails in the EDGE District and an all-new craft beer concept from Green Bench Brewing featuring IPAs, lagers, and stouts.