The perfect opportunity to attack your New Year’s Resolution to be more active and get healthier is coming to the Twin Counties! Pickleball, the nation’s fastest-growing sport, is coming to the Rocky Mount Event Center.

The Event Center has six courts to enjoy. Starting Monday, January 8, open play will be available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.  and 5:30 through 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For those looking to enjoy the new indoor courts, the daily fee per person is $10 or $35 for a monthly pass. A household monthly pass is also available for $55 for two people. Each additional family member is $10.

The Event Center also announced a partnership with Professional Pickleball Registry’s David Jarvis and Joel Batchelor who will be leading lessons for those looking to learn how to play pickleball.

Lessons will be available on Tuesdays starting January 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Lessons will cost $60 per person for a weekly lesson for five weeks, and it also includes open play for five weeks. Space for lessons is limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP to secure your spot. Register online or at the Event Center.

David Joyner, General Manager at the Rocky Mount Event Center said “Our Rocky Mount Event Center – The Sports Facilities Companies team, is ecstatic to now have Pickleball being offered to the community in our venue. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport across the country, and many of the venues in our company’s network are now offering it. My team here has nothing but wonderful things to say about our new partnership with David Jarvis and Joel Batchelor with the Professional Pickleball Registry. Our Event Center team is proud to have a packed AAU tournament calendar, which directly generates millions in economic impact to our region, and to now be able to open the venue to the local community during the week for Pickleball, just further adds to the exciting and growing momentum here at the Rocky Mount Event Center!"

Batchelor praised the Event Center in a press release saying, “This is the most professional environment I've ever been involved in. The facility is first class, and the Event Center Staff have been awesome to work with. Pickleball players from anywhere in the area will truly enjoy playing at the Event Center."

In addition to the Rocky Mount Event Center, Sunset Park has four courts, the Harrison Family YMCA has two courts, the South Rocky Mount Community Center has two courts, and Ennis Memorial Park in Red Oak has four courts.

Pickleball is a fun sport that shares some similarities with ping pong and tennis, but it is played on a smaller court. It is a bit more accessible than tennis, and basic equipment so you can get started is quite affordable.

If you want to learn more about pickleball be sure to check out our TC Spotlight podcast with Marion Stoga, an ambassador for pickleball in our area.