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Lately, it feels like everywhere I turn, someone’s swinging a paddle and talking about something called pickleball. At first, I thought it was just a funny name—maybe a new snack or some kind of quirky county fair game. But turns out, it’s the fastest-growing sport in the country, and it’s making a racket (pun intended) right here in Arkansas!
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s the scoop: Pickleball is like if tennis, badminton and ping-pong had a baby—and raised it in the South. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages and doesn’t require Olympic-level fitness to have a good time. Plus, it’s a social, affordable, and fantastic way to meet folks in your community. Whether you’re in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, out in the Delta, or anywhere in between, chances are there’s a pickleball court near you—or one popping up soon.
Photo courtesy of Pickleball Kingdom – Menomonee Falls
Pickleball Kingdom Swings Into Little Rock
Hold on to your paddles, folks—Pickleball Kingdom, the largest indoor pickleball franchise in the world, is bringing its court-side charm straight to the Natural State. The first Arkansas location opens November 2025 at 2616 S. Shackleford Road in Little Rock, and it’s not just any gym with a net. We’re talking a nearly 30,000-square-foot facility with 11 professional-grade indoor pickleball courts—making it one of the most impressive pickleball hubs in the South.
“Arkansas is ready for the pickleball boom,” said Ace Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “We’re thrilled to give players a world-class venue to enjoy the sport year-round.”
What You’ll Find at Pickleball Kingdom Little Rock
Here’s what makes this spot a game-changer for pickleball in Arkansas:
11 State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts – Climate-controlled with pro-level surfaces so your game’s never rained out.
Coaching & Clinics – From first-timers to seasoned “dinkers,” there’s coaching for every level.
Youth Programs – Getting kids off screens and into the game!
Leagues & Tournaments – Test your skills or just come for the friendly competition.
Corporate & Community Events – Perfect for team building or hosting a Southern-style shindig with a sporty twist.
“This isn’t just a place to play—it’s a place to belong,” says Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom. “We’re building community around the sport, one paddle at a time.”
Pickleball courts at Vulcan | Hot Springs
Hot Springs Company Joins Pickleball Boom
Tanner’s Team Sports got its start in Virginia in 1991, focusing on sports accessories—not gear like gloves or bats, but the behind-the-scenes essentials that keep the game going. A few years later, the company moved its headquarters to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where it continued producing accessories for baseball, softball, and tennis. If you’ve ever bought Rawlings gear at Academy Sports or Walmart, odds are it came from Tanners.
In 2016, company president Vince Signorelli discovered pickleball at the local YMCA and was instantly hooked. He saw a growing sport with lots of paddles—but few accessories. So, Tanners launched the Vulcan brand, offering a full line of paddles, nets, bags, grips, and apparel designed just for pickleball. Vulcan quickly gained popularity and even began sponsoring pro players. Tanners didn’t stop there—they launched Paddle Candy, a bold, colorful paddle line for players who like to stand out.
Vulcan Pickleball Park at Tanners’ Hot Springs HQ features four lighted courts that are free and open to the public. It regularly hosts clinics, tournaments, and pro events.
Earlier this year, another Arkansas brand, Smith’s Sporting Group, also based in Hot Springs, acquired Tanners Team Sports. With this local partnership, the Vulcan and Paddle Candy brands are set to grow even more—just like the sport they serve.
Pickleball Fast Facts (So You Sound Like a Pro)
Born in America – Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Washington state by three dads trying to entertain their kids. Not About Pickles – The name came from the inventor’s dog, Pickles, who kept chasing the ball! It’s a Paddle Party – Think tennis, but with less running and more fun. All Ages Welcome – It’s not unusual to see three generations playing on the same court. Great Workout – It’s easier on the joints than tennis but still gets your heart pumping. Fun Lingo – Learn terms like “dink,” “kitchen,” and “Erne,” and you’ll sound like a seasoned pro.
The Kitchen = no-volley zone near the net
Dinking = soft, strategic shots
Erne = a daring sideline leap-and-slam move
There’s a Pro League – The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) are turning this into a nationwide sensation.
Where Can You Play in Arkansas?
Check Out Pickleheads – An online platform listing 100+ public pickleball courts across Arkansas.
Central Arkansas
Cabot Parks & Recreation Pickleball – Cabot Local program with access to multiple courts.
Conway – 2 Locations Four courts listed by Pickleheads.
Matthews Park – Greenbrier Three outdoor courts with permanent lines and portable nets.
Vulcan Pickleball Park – Hot Springs Four lighted outdoor courts at Tanner Team Sports HQ. Free and open daily.
Hot Springs Health and Fitness – Hot Springs Nine courts: three indoor, six outdoor, all with permanent lines and nets.
Hot Springs Village Pickleball Courts – Hot Springs Village 14 dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets.
DeSoto Family Recreation Center – Pearcy 14 courts with permanent setups.
Little Rock Athletic Club – Little Rock Eight indoor and four outdoor courts (members only).
Rowdy Hog Pickleball – Little Rock Four indoor, climate-controlled courts and a pro shop.
Kanis Park – Little Rock Six dedicated outdoor courts with lighting, first-come, first-served.
Morrilton City Pickleball Courts – Morrilton Well-maintained courts are popular for regular community play.
Northshore Pickleball Courts – North Little Rock Four dedicated outdoor courts.
Burns Park – North Little Rock 12 pickleball courts listed on Pickleheads.
Quitman – Central Arkansas Pickleball Supply One indoor court with a permanent net and lines.
Hughes Community Center – Russellville Two courts with portable nets; listed on Pickleheads.
Russellville City Park – Russellville Dedicated outdoor courts.
Berryhill Park – Searcy Eight newly renovated outdoor courts.
Henson Park Pickleball Courts – Sherwood
Eight outdoor courts with permanent lines and nets.
Northwest Arkansas
Alma – Alma Park Tennis Courts Two outdoor courts with lines overlaid on a tennis court.
Branchwood Recreation Center – Bella Vista Six outdoor courts available to members and guests.
Bentonville Community Center – Bentonville 11 courts with permanent lines (bring your own nets).
Pickleball Program – Bentonville City program promoting local play and events.
Clarksville – Marvin L Vinson Multi-Purpose Building Six indoor courts with permanent lines and portable nets.
Creekside Park – Farmington Four dedicated outdoor courts.
Chaffee Crossing Pickleball Complex – Fort Smith Eight outdoor hard courts.
Mt. Hebron Park – Rogers About 10 courts with an active local pickleball community.
Dual Cities NWA Vista – Rogers Six indoor courts with a café and golf simulators.
Bob Henry Park – Siloam Springs
Six outdoor concrete courts.
The Jones Center – Springdale Indoor pickleball program and facilities.
Tontitown Dedicated courts listed on Pickleheads.
Ozark Pickleball Exchange – Northwest Arkansas Regional pickleball resource or community group.
Northeast & North Central Arkansas
Batesville Community Center – Batesville Nine indoor and four outdoor courts.
Allen Park Community Center – Jonesboro
Three indoor wooden courts with permanent lines.
Joe Mack Campbell Park – Jonesboro
Four outdoor acrylic courts with permanent lines and portable nets.
Searcy County Civic Center – Marshall Permanent lines and nets listed by Pickleheads.
Mountain Home Youth Center – Mountain Home Indoor pickleball facilities and programs.
Paragould Community Center – Paragould
Six indoor wooden courts.
South Arkansas
Arkadelphia Dedicated courts are listed on Pickleheads.
El Dorado Dedicated courts listed on Pickleheads.
Magnolia Pickleball Courts – Magnolia Outdoor courts with vibrant playing surfaces.
Online Communities & Groups
Central Arkansas Pickleball – Facebook Community group for players in the central Arkansas area.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, trying to stay active or just want to hang out with good people and laugh a lot—pickleball in Arkansas might just be your new favorite thing.
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