Bel Air Pickleball Facility Expands To Offer Relaxing Space For Unwinding, Socializing

BEL AIR, MD — A popular indoor pickleball facility will host a grand opening Friday to unveil its new lounge and bar.

The Pickle Factory opened in October 2023 under the ownership of Keith and Kathy Rawlings, who are avid pickleball players. Since opening its doors, The Pickle Factory not only has a steady stream of games played there but also offers clinics, leagues, lessons, tournaments, social events and facility rentals. Pickleball players have the option of securing a membership or going with the pay-as-you-go plan.

But the Rawlings quickly noticed that pickleball players not only love their sport, but enjoy socializing at the facility, too.

"Bringing the new bar and lounge to life at The Pickle Factory has been an exciting journey for us. Our goal was to create a relaxed, social environment so that people have a place to unwind and connect after a match. At The Arena Club, we take it a step further by offering a true staycation experience—complete with palm trees, comfortable lounge areas, and now, poolside beverage service. This way, our members can unwind and enjoy the ultimate relaxation without ever having to leave the pool deck," Kathy Rawlings told Patch.

So they added on a lounge and bar that overlooks nine courts and offers fun and relaxation before or after a match. There will be a ping pong table, board games, three large-screen televisions and a bar with standard and high-top seating.

“As pickleball players ourselves, we’ve always appreciated venues that provided a space to relax and connect after a match,” Rawlings added. “We wanted to bring that experience to The Pickle Factory—to create a welcoming space where players and guests can unwind, socialize and build community.”

The lounge and bar will serve members of both The Pickle Factory and The Arena Club, with offerings available to members and their guests. The menu will feature a rotating variety of beer and wine selections, as well as light snacks. The Arena Club will be opening a poolside bar this month at the award-winning fitness and swim facility that caters to all ages.

“Our goal has always been to provide more than just a place to play or work out,” Rawlings added. “Whether it’s through pickleball, exercise, swimming or relaxing with friends, we want to
offer spaces that bring people together and support a healthy, active and connected lifestyle. The addition of the bar service at both The Pickle Factory and The Arena Club is a natural evolution of that mission.”

The Pickle Factory is located at 2302 E. Churchville Rd. in Bel Air and The Arena Club is next door at 2304 E. Churchville Rd.

For more information about memberships, upcoming events, or hours for the new lounge and bar,
visit www.mypicklefactory.com or contact Angela Saccenti at 410-734-7300. For more information about The Arena Club, visit www.thearenaclub.com.