Students flocked to the Greenlee Plaza to join in on the grand opening of the Pickleball courts. Students enjoyed delicious hot dogs from the popular restaurant Pink’s Hot Dogs, entered raffle giveaways, and listened to live music near the eight brand new courts by the Student Services Building.
The whimsical wiffle-ball paddle sport is soaring in popularity and it has been the fastest-growing sport in America for a third consecutive year, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and Pickleball. Throughout the United States, 15,910 courts have been established nationwide.
Public Affairs spokesperson Erik Hollins emphasized how Cal State LA wanted to capitalize on bringing the fastest-growing sport in America to Cal State LA, and now it has become a reality.
“Cal State LA wants to provide an engaging activity that enhances campus life and contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere,” Hollins said.
Open play began at 11 a.m., and the courts were full of players enjoying themselves. Players received a wristband that allowed them free play against their peers, including a raffle giveaway of an Engage pickleball pro paddle. Paddles and balls were also provided for players who didn’t have their own equipment on the two courts. Rishab Lakhotra, a computer science graduate student, loved the idea of Cal State LA incorporating the one of the fastest growing sports in America for all to enjoy.
“It’s a good experience, and so many courts allow players of all levels to come and experience pickleball,” said Lakhotra. “It was awesome, and students must come to try out the courts.”
Students were not the only ones checking out the new pickleball courts, as student-athletes and coaches came to check out the trending sport. The Cal State LA women’s tennis team joined the festivities, taking a swing at the new courts. The team grabbed their paddles and matched up with each other on the court. Maldini Simic said she was over the moon that pickleball courts were now open.
“We’re at season’s end, the girls and I had free time, so we wanted to check it out. I love sports, and I came out to play for half an hour,” Simic said. “The courts are great, and everyone can play pickleball on these new courts.”
Assistant coach Michael Cooper also showed off his skills on the court in his first of many match-ups. Cooper also cracked up jokes among the players.
President Berenecea Eanes joined the festivities and welcomed everyone to the new courts. In her speech, President Eanes said that she wants to ensure that the opening of the pickleball courts is the beginning of the University’s commitment to community and entrepreneurship.
The rental rate is $10 per person to access the courts, with basic paddle rentals for $4. For those looking to get the pro experience, advanced paddles are also available to rent for $8. Paddle rentals are free for Cal State LA students, according to the University website. For those wanting to have the courts all to themselves, that can become a reality, but for a price; a full facility rental is $480 an hour.
This article was first published in the April 25 print edition of the University Times.
