Urban pickleball returns to downtown San Diego streets
Once Comic-Con has cleared out, Pickleball will take over Gaslamp every Thursday night for the rest of the summer.
The big picture: The six-week urban pickleball series is even bigger this year, turning five blocks of Fifth Avenue into 13 courts.
"You're coming down to play in the streets, not a pristine court. It's a gritty, cool urban feel," Gaslamp Quarter Association executive director Michael Trimble tells Axios.How it works: The games are ladder-style, like king of the hill, with the winners moving up and collecting points each round. You play to 11, or a 12-minute game, and then change courts.
If you make it to the top court, you can stay for only three games before cycling back through with a different partner. But you keep your points, which can earn prizes like a new paddle or bag.Come with a partner or make a new friend, and you'll be paired to play against teams with similar skill levels, from beginner to expert.The vibe: This year, there's a Zero-Proof Garden, a new outdoor social lounge with nonalcoholic beer, kombucha and wellness drinks.
They've also added a market with athletic apparel, pickleball gear, wellness products, healthy snacks and giveaways from local vendors.A DJ will be bringing the energy, and you can get "Paddle Hour" food and drink specials at nearby restaurants and bars.If you go: Play every Thursday from July 30 to Sept. 3 from 4pm to sunset. It's $45 per player.
Bring your own paddle, but there will be some to rent.The courts are on Fifth Avenue between Market and K Street.Get your tickets early because the event sold out last year.State of play: The pickleball craze may be cooling off nationally — especially with padel gaining steam — but the recreational sport is still hot in San Diego.
We have more courts than any other city in California, and local facilities host pro tournaments throughout the year.