Local Pickleball Club Gaining Notoriety in Football-Rich Northeast Ohio

Hot Shots Pickleball Club

Canton, Ohio

Gridiron glory permeates the landscape in and around Canton, Ohio, home of the NFL’s Hall of Fame. And, while fascination with the pigskin has evolved over the years from the days of the great Jim Thorpe to the edifice that immortalizes some of the sport’s greatest players, another sport is beginning to make its mark in the hearts and minds of the folks who call this area home.

The tagline for the Hot Shots Pickleball Club is “Your rookie to pro destination,” which clearly reflects the indoor facility’s desire to serve players of all ages and abilities. “Our daily programming meets players where they are, whether they’re brand-new to the sport or seasoned competitors,” said Lisa Beaufait, co-owner. “We simply have a passion for pickleball, players, and our community.”

Introductory sessions are presented numerous times during the week in a fun and low-pressure environment, helping new players learn about proper warm-up, footwear, and paddle selection, while open play is offered based on skill level. A court concierge sets aside specific court times to ensure that novice, intermediate and advanced players can comfortably play at their own pace.

Beaufait added, “We also stage numerous special events like Cardio Pickle Clinics, which combine fast-paced drills with music, while ‘Beat the Pro’ appeals to seasoned players. Singles League, Night Owl Open Play, Happy Hour, and Student ID play are all curated to create even more Hot Shots Pickleball Club fun.” Members can easily select courts and respective times from a downloadable app through CourtReserve.

The building renovation and construction of Hot Shots was handled by the award-winning local firm Fred Olivieri Construction along with MRO Built. The club features nine professional-grade, climate-controlled courts built by The Vasco Group, with ceilings that are 22 feet high, protective wall padding, and state-of-the-art indirect lighting—all engineered for safety, playability, and comfort.

And, for those special events and tournament action, a championship court with elevated spectator seating and video capabilities further raises the club to a position among the finest in the country.

Accelerated growth for the sport of pickleball demands that attention be placed on the next wave of players—the youth—and this club has that covered as well.

“Hot Shots PBC is investing in both kids learning the game and player longevity. We recognize the importance of youth development to ensure the sport’s long-term growth, and by focusing on junior programs, tournaments and special events, Hot Shots PBC not only nurtures the next generation of players but also helps establish pickleball as a lifelong sport accessible to all,” said Beaufait.

“We believe the future of pickleball lies not just in more courts, but in smarter, healthy play. As the sport grows, so does the risk of overuse injuries, especially in adults 40+. That’s why we’ve created the ‘Fit to Hit’ area—a dedicated wellness zone that encourages stretching, pre-match activation, and post-match recovery.”

Also available is the Kitchen & Bar, which provides delectable menu offerings. Plus, to quench that thirst after some action-packed games, a self-pour Tap Wall by PourMyBeer features select brews including the club’s own “Hot Shots Zesty Pickle Beer” developed by the local Hoppin’ Frog Brewery. The boutique Pro Shop is stocked with premium paddles, balls, apparel and footwear from notable brands like Lucky in Love, K-Swiss and Joola.

“With research from clubs around the country and community feedback, we took our vibe and passion to create an elevated place that we would love. Every detail, from lighting to libations, is thoughtfully designed to enhance connection, fun, and performance,” said Patty Paschke, co-owner along with Kim Waikem, RJ Vassas and Beaufait.

“We are so grateful for how welcoming and supportive the entire pickleball club community has been to us on all levels. It is clear we are all passionate about the growth of pickleball and our connections.”

For more information on Hot Shots Pickleball Club in Canton, Ohio, check out the website at hotshotspbc.com. •