Pickleball in the Heart of Georgia

As the need for accessible pickleball courts continues to grow, developers are looking indoors to help satisfy the appetite for extra space.

One such space is in the heart of Georgia. Macon to be exact, where an old Belk department store of 166,000 square feet was redesigned into Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events, which features 32 pickleball courts on two levels. It is arguably the world’s largest indoor facility. “Given the sport’s continuing explosive growth, I don’t know how long we’ll hold the title, but we’re going to trumpet it for as long as we can!” said John Roberts, general manager.

Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events opened to the public on New Year’s Day and welcomed more than 400 players throughout that day. And every day since, the facility has been at or near capacity.

But the transformation from handbag displays, children’s clothes and shoes to non-volley zone lines and net posts presented numerous challenges to the design staff. “Removing the previous drop ceiling and providing enough height for players’ shots was a unique challenge, but our architect, Sidney Haynes with SDH Design Solutions, did a phenomenal job crafting a solution to give us nearly 20 feet of clearance on both levels,” explained Roberts. “Through a month of operation, and three different tournaments, we haven’t heard a single complaint regarding playability of the courts.”

Rhythm & Rally is open every day for drop-in play from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and is continually adding programming. “We’ve begun hosting member round-robins and anticipate ladder leagues coming on line before the end of the first quarter,” said Roberts. “We hope to add team leagues to our offerings by the summer. We will be expanding into a food and beverage buildout throughout 2024, and will offer a full-service athletic, recreation, and entertainment destination for pickleball beginners and enthusiasts alike.”

Another attraction for pickleball players will be a brand-new 12,000-seat Atrium Health Amphitheater located 500 yards from the facility, set to open in March. “Our location in the heart of a burgeoning entertainment district in the heart of Georgia only increases our overall appeal to players!”

Roberts spent 15 years as senior associate commissioner for operations and chief financial officer of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), overseeing ASUN’s awards, broadcast and officiating programs and handling the organization’s budget and human resources for staff. He’s an avid pickleball enthusiast and USA Pickleball Ambassador, and has been organizing tournaments across the southeastern part of the United States for the past five years.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to manage this world-class facility and I’m delighted to use my experience in athletics to help strengthen and grow pickleball here,” said Roberts. “I’m passionate about pickleball, and I know firsthand what it means to this community. This venue will help bring people from all over to Macon for tournaments, conventions, and many other events. I’m excited to be helping Macon build a happier and healthier community.”  •