December 20, 2024

Former pro tennis player opens indoor pickleball facility in Largo

December 20, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

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, which is currently open.

November 05, 2024

New indoor pickleball facilities are coming to St. Pete

November 05, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Tampa Bay pickleball enthusiasts will soon have more indoor courts to choose from as a growing pickleball club franchise has inked a deal to expand to the Sunshine City.

St. Pete residents Kevin and Lisa Goettel have signed on to bring Dill Dinkers, a Columbia, Maryland-based chain of pickleball clubs, to Pinellas County.

Founded in 2022 by pickleball enthusiasts Will and Denise Richards (no, not that Denise Richards), Dill Dinkers was born from the founders’ frustration with weather-related disruptions, long wait times, and mixed-use facilities that were not ideal for pickleball play.

The local husband-and-wife team plan to open at least 10 Dill Dinkers pickleball clubs throughout the county, spanning from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.