After Diapers And Sneakers, Pickleball Now Coming To Manchester Location

MANCHESTER, CT — After housing goods ranging from diapers and bottles to hundreds of sneakers and racks of workout attire, a commercial space in Manchester is about to become pickleball central.

Actually, it's Pickleball Kingdom, which bills itself as the "world's largest indoor pickleball entity," announced this week that its newest facility is headed to 169 Hale Road in Manchester.

The commercial space was once a Babies R Us outlet, followed by a Dick's Sporting Goods "Warehouse Sale" location and, most recently, Crazy Hot Deals, which has moved elsewhere in the plaza.

Pickleball Kingdom will span 30,681 square feet and feature 10 "professional-grade" indoor courts and opening day is being targeted for "late 2025," according to the announcement.

The new location is led by franchisees from the "experienced franchise group Pickleball X Equity," according to the announcement.

"Manchester is a thriving and dynamic community, and we are excited to bring Pickleball Kingdom to the area," Pickleball Kingdom Founder and CEO Ace Rodrigues said. "The leadership of Pickleball X Equity reflects our commitment to partnering with exceptional operators who share our vision of providing the ultimate pickleball experience. This location will serve as a recreational hub and a vibrant community space for Manchester and beyond."

Once open, Pickleball Kingdom will be the second major facility for the ever-within a 2.9-mile radius. The Pickleball Place recently opened at 10 Pitkin Road in Vernon at a former Sears Hardware location.

The Manchester facility will offer:

• State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts: Engineered to provide the best playing conditions, these courts combine outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits for year-round play.
• Professional Coaching and Clinics: Programs designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
• Youth Programs: Inspiring the next generation to embrace and enjoy the sport.
• Leagues and Tournaments: Organized for players seeking both casual and competitive play opportunities.
• Community & Corporate Events: Building local connections through engaging pickleball events.

Mike Patel and Sanjay Patel, two of the driving forces behind Pickleball X Equity, bring a wealth of experience in managing service businesses, franchises, and large-scale developments.

"Pickleball's rapid rise is truly inspiring, and our goal is to make this amazing sport accessible to as many people as possible," said Mike Patel. "We believe that life is better with pickleball, and we're excited to bring that vision to Manchester."

Sanjay Patel echoed the enthusiasm by saying, "We're committed to building strong community connections throughout Connecticut. Our passion is making Pickleball Kingdom a meaningful part of daily life in Manchester."

"We're excited to work with Pickleball X Equity, whose passion for pickleball and dedication to building strong community ties are truly inspiring," said Rob Streett, president and chief global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom. "Their commitment to creating inclusive spaces where people can connect, enjoy, and grow will play a pivotal role in the success of this location and will leave a lasting impact on the community."