Big Pickleball Complex Planned at Mesa Riverview Article originally posted on HERE on March 11, 2024 Mesa appears to be the latest East Valley community that will see an indoor pickleball complex. California-based Dink & Dine Pickle Parks last week announced plans to build its first “eatertainment” venue with indoor and outdoor courts and restaurants at Mesa Riverview, stating it hopes to open the concept in November. In all, the complex will have eight indoor and three outdoor courts – including a sunken “showcase court ideal for pro exhibitions and TV coverage;” four different types of restaurants, “multiple bars;” a stage for live music, seating for over 300 people and “supplementary play areas,” Dink & Dine said in a release. It also said it is negotiating to open similar venues “with upscale amenities and cutting-edge technology” in California, Utah and Idaho. “Socializing and business discussions are now happening on the pickleball court and Dink & Dine Pickle Parks will expand this exponentially,” said Monica Challingsworth, COO. “We will have a full calendar of social activities, tournaments, lessons and games and a stage and entertainment area for live music. With an emphasis on corporate and social events, we will provide full event planning and implementation.” Technological enhancements, such as 25 or more TV monitors and QR code ordering, “will elevate the guest experience, while diversifying gaming options beyond pickleball to include cornhole, bocce ball, and more,” she added. With fans of the sport complaining that there are not enough public pickleball courts in the region to accommodate the growing number of players, private companies have been rushing to fill the gap in the East Valley. Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler was among the first of the indoor facilities to open two years ago. Last year, a chain financed by a Texas billionaire who is a pickleball fanatic opened Picklemall in Arizona Mills in Tempe. PURE Pickleball announced plans for a “world-class pickleball facility” on the doorstep of Talking Stick Resort and Casino this fall, promising the 10-acre venue with 29 courts and a 500-seat stadium will be “the largest indoor pickleball facility in Arizona and one of the largest facilities in the world.” And in Gilbert, the Center Court Pickleball Club is scheduled to open this spring with a 10-court, 30,000-square-foot venue in the Spectrum Town Center. Virtually all the venues are using or will use some kind of technology enabling players to reserve court time in advance, helping them to eliminate the often long waits that fans have at public courts. And, of course, the venue operators also boast that indoor pickleball eliminates one of the big hazards of playing outside: Arizona’s scorching heat. They also note wind no longer is a factor for indoor players, enabling them to focus almost entirely on their skill instead of battling with the elements. Dink & Dine Pickle Parks, which said it was founded by “a seasoned team of industry veterans, including visionary concept developers, chefs, and pickleball enthusiasts,” did not indicate a specific timeline for opening at Mesa Riverview beyond stating it would open this fall.