Sunset Smash

California SMASH

El Segundo, California

Recently, a philosopher said, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn football,” an update of the famous quote about baseball. And, for every tight spiral coming from the throwing arm of Josh Allen, or acrobatic touchdown run by Derrick Henry, the gridiron has often been the focal point in this country for so many sports enthusiasts.

While the sport of pickleball has a long way to go to eclipse the fanaticism of football, it has most assuredly entered the consciousness of many who love to dink, drop, and—for those living in and around El Segundo, California—smash… namely California SMASH!

South Bay’s newest foray into the world of pickleball is a former industrial warehouse building converted into a 25,000-square-foot indoor facility where competition and community come together.

A social get-together combining connection, energy and the omnipresent California culture, “SMASH is built around ‘play + social.’ It’s not show up, play, leave. It’s a modern clubhouse—music, energy, courtside viewing, food and drinks, and space designed to connect people,” says Brett Drogmund, co-founder of California SMASH.

Featuring nine professionally padded courts, a 100-seat social club with full bar, optimal lighting and temperature control, SMASH is open every day of the year and offers cozy lounges designed for lingering with friends after play. (Recently, those friends consisted of Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who moved from one court at Crypto.com Arena to another at California SMASH.)

“We wanted to elevate the entire experience. Pickleball is the anchor, but the atmosphere—DJ nights, events, and social programming—is what turns it into a destination,” adds Mark Bloom, SMASH partner.

There’s no membership at California SMASH. It’s open to the public. “The goal is to be welcoming for a first-timer and still legit for serious players. That’s why the facility quality and programming matter just as much as the vibe,” explains Scott Doerner, another SMASH partner, whose background is in high-performance tennis. “Pickleball has that same competitive edge, but with a community vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s one of the few sports where beginners and advanced players can share the same space.”

California SMASH offers a full array of playing options including Live Ball to Ladder Play to Open Play sessions. It provides daily pickleball programming for seasoned players along with those who are just venturing out for the first time onto a court.

Drogmund, unabashedly proud, describes the group’s creation. “About half the footprint is dedicated to pickleball, nine indoor courts, because our concept is intentionally play + social, not just a row of courts. We also built an upstairs mezzanine that overlooks the facility, with a DJ booth and lighting to set the energy. Our indoor–outdoor dining area opens through garage doors and includes an outdoor TV, heaters, and a grassy space for cornhole, ping-pong, or just enjoying the Southern California weather.”

No doubt the California weather lends itself to outdoor activities, but California SMASH has given ample thought to those not-so-sunny days. It also offers the indoor Smash Studio, a soundproof private room with its own flat-screen TV, wet bar, disco ball, and even podcasting capabilities so groups can celebrate, host, or even create content in a space that feels completely separate from the courts.

Unquestionably, one of the sport’s newest additions has been a smashing success. To learn more, go to calismash.com. •