July 28, 2024 (Macon, GA) – Rhythm & Rally, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility opened January 1, 2024 in Macon, Georgia. The massive facility, operated by The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), features 32 climate controlled courts spread out across two levels of a converted 166,000 square foot department store inside of the former Macon Mall.
The facility has already hosted a UTR Sports Golden Ticket pickleball qualifier, and according to general manager John Roberts, over $7,000,000 in economic impact for the Macon area since opening at the outset of 2024.
SFC, which manages sports and recreation facilities across the United States, reports that demand for facilities with pickleball courts has reached an all-time this year. The report also states that over 90-percent of community planners and facility developers consider including pickleball in their feasibility studies for new complexes.
“SFC’s leadership is bold and visionary,” stated Roberts. “We’ve got a vibrant and enthusiastic pickleball community in Macon that they recognized. The Macon Mall is in an area of town that has been disinvested over the last 15, 20 years and this is part of a revitalization effort for the spot.”
The investment has already seen significant, positive returns since opening its doors, with multiple pickleball events held in addition to the Golden Ticket event and a membership base of approximately 500 players.
For Roberts, who has lived through the redevelopment and revitalization of Macon’s historic downtown space (The region’s musical history includes the offices and former residences of legendary artists including Otis Redding and Little Richard), the work being done to bring Rhythm & Rally to life has been more than just occupational.
“It’s been incredibly validating,” added Roberts. “I’ve said numerous times since my appointment. This this really is a a dream come true.Running a facility of this size, being this forward-facing with the community…and having this as a space of recreation, exercise, fellowship and fun, and turning it into not just a thriving business, but a community asset has been amazing.”
In addition to its role as a hub for recreational players and the Macon Pickleball community, Rhythm and Rally’s design by nature opens the door for continued hosting duties related to the professional side of the sport.
“Our facility is built for [professional pickleball tour stops], we’re equipped to host large-scale, televised pickleball events,” explained Roberts. “It was constructed with that idea in mind. Not just because of the quantity of courts on each level, but the layout of the sidelines, the overall space for big events, and the way it has been wired. All of the infrastructure is there to host major tour stops right here in Macon.”
And with a number of successful events in the back pocket, Roberts hopes to see the trend continue through his facility—not only for its success, but for the Georgia region as a whole.
“This is not only about people coming to see what Rhythm and Rally is about, it’s about people coming and seeing all that all that the Georgia area has to offer as a whole.”
SFC’s existing and future venues that accommodate pickleball include:
- Myrtle Beach Sports Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Rocky Mount Event Center, Rocky Mount, NC
- Crown Sports Center, Fruitland, MD
- Iron Peak Sports and Events, Hillsborough, NJ
- Highlands Sports Complex, Triadelphia, WV
- The Bridge Sports Complex, Bridgeport, WV
- Cedar Point Sports Center, Sandusky, OH
- Hoover Met, Hoover, AL
- Bill Noble Park, Gardendale, AL
- Sand Mountain Park, Albertville, AL
- Brandon Parks and Rec, Brandon, MS
- Starkville Parks and Rec, Starkville, MS
- West Monroe Sports and Events, West Monroe, LA
- Legends Event Center, League City, TX
- Morristown Landing, Morristown, TN
- Wintrust Sports Complex, Bedford Park, IL
Additionally, venues being readied for pickleball include:
- Emerald Acres Sports Connection, Townville, SC
- Advent Health Sports Park at Bluhawk, Overland Park, KS
- Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town, Springfield, MO
- WYO Sports Ranch, Laramie, WY
- Rocky Top Sports World, Gatlinburg, TN
- Fort Bend Epicenter, Rosenberg, TX
To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com.
To learn more about Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events, please visit: https://www.rhythmandrally.com/
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