Pickleball Boom Hits Atlanta: Dill Dinkers to Open 11-Court Facility in West End

A new pickleball facility is set to serve up some serious action in Atlanta’s West End as the city grapples with a shortage of courts for one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

Dill Dinkers, an Atlanta-based pickleball franchise, is gearing up to open its first location in Georgia this March. The facility, located at 1200 White Street, will feature 11 regulation-sized courts and cover nearly 36,000 square feet inside a converted industrial building. Situated near the Lee + White district and the Beltline, the venue promises to be more than just a place to play, with plans for clinics, lessons, leagues, and social events catering to all skill levels.

“Pickleball is exploding in popularity because it’s easy to pick up, great exercise, and can be played by people from ages eight to eighty,” said Daniel Hardeman, a regional franchise developer and resident of Chosewood Park. “The challenge is that there simply aren’t enough courts, so we’re stepping in to fill that gap.”

According to Hardeman, metro Atlanta is home to 1.1 million pickleball players, a number that’s been growing by nearly 52 percent annually. Dill Dinkers hopes to meet this demand with not only courts but also a structured environment to help players progress their skills.

Each of the courts at the West End location will feature the brand’s Pro Cushion surface, designed to reduce joint impact for players. The facility will also include a pro shop and event space, while the exterior will be decorated with a mural from local artist collective Upper Westside Murals.

Dill Dinkers is wasting no time in expanding its footprint, with future locations planned for Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Cherokee counties. The West End complex is part of the company’s growing network, which includes facilities in Washington D.C., Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

The pickleball courts will only occupy part of the larger 1200 White Street redevelopment, which is transforming into a multi-use hub with restaurants, retail, and creative spaces. The building’s owners, Ackerman & Co., have also planned a Beltline extension along the site’s Westside Trail.

Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, another exciting venture is headed to the Lee + White district. The Game Show Challenge, an interactive experience where participants can compete in game show-style competitions, is moving into a 3,889-square-foot space next to Monday Night Brewing. The venue will feature two studios where groups can test their trivia, puzzle-solving, and spin-the-wheel skills in a variety of game show formats.

Atlanta Golf & Social, a new golf simulation and social experience concept, has also recently soft-opened in the Lee + White district, marking another addition to the area’s growing lineup of sports and entertainment attractions. The space is awaiting its final grand opening once an alcohol license is secured.

With its expanding offerings and community focus, West End is quickly becoming a key player in Atlanta’s recreational scene, and Dill Dinkers is poised to be at the heart of it.