If you’re looking to play pickleball in the Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona area – Pickleball Kingdom is a MUST for open play, clinics, lessons and more!
In this post you’ll find information about the courts, the open play schedule and more helpful information.
Note: this blog post supports a full video tour and review which can be found by clicking here!
You DO NOT Need a Membership to Play Pickleball at Pickleball Kingdom
One of the top questions people ask is if you can visit Pickleball Kingdom WITHOUT a membership and the answer is YES!
Whether you’re dropping in for open play (which tends to be in 3 hour blocks) at just $15 for the session OR dropping in for a clinic and lesson (prices vary), the bottom line is that non-members can absolutely drop in for some pickleball play.
Of course membership is also an option. What does that look like? You can can sign up for a $30/month to a $190/month membership depending on how many perks (advanced reserved play, discounted instruction, VIP tournament invites, etc).
See the latest information on membership by clicking here.
The Pickleball Courts are Outdoor Courts (But Indoors)
It’s an indoor facility, but with outdoor surfaces. There are many advantageous to playing indoors (you don’t have to deal with wind, weather, getting sunburnt, etc), but most indoor experiences mean you have to play on gym flooring with pickleball court lines that are hidden amongst basketball lines and more.
At Pickleball Kingdom you have outdoor courts and dedicated lines. This makes conditions for playing here VERY ideal, but it also means you use an outdoor ball. My favorite outdoor pickleball ball is the Franklin X-40.
BYO Pickleball Balls to Pickleball Kingdom
Unlike other clubs I’ve played at, at Pickleball Kingdom you bring your own ball. They do have balls (and other equipment and gear available) for sale at the front desk.
Given you are playing on outdoor clay courts indoor, bring an outdoor ball. Personally, I love the Franklin X-40.
Each Pickleball Court is Individually Fenced
This is both a VERY big pro and a bit of a con at Pickleball Kingdom.
While it’s GREAT that you don’t have to worry about other court’s balls rolling into your game, you’ll notice that some courts are very limited in the distance between the court and the fence. The fence was in my way during EVERY single game I played and prevented me from playing my best game.
Am I allowed to ask for a do over if my paddle is hits the fence?
– Me: giving the other side yet another point because the fence was in my way
I was surprised by how often I had my butt pressed against the fence behind me or I couldn’t swing my paddle to get a deep serve because I was hitting the fence.
The answer? No.
It’s such a common problem at Pickleball Kingdom that when I asked the locals, they told me that do-overs aren’t given because everyone equally deals with this issue.
One thing they’ve adjusted, because it’s common for your paddle to hit the fence while trying to serve, it’s considered “ok” to take a step forward and serve in front of the line during the serve.
In the photo above you can see how on the court I’m playing on, there is very limited room between the court and the fence. Not every court is like this – a few courts have more spacing, it just depends on where it’s located within the facility.
It’s ALL Ages at Pickleball Kingdom
You’ll see people of all ages playing at Pickleball Kingdom. In my experience I saw both seniors and children (and families playing together).
While pickleball is often associated with seniors, younger generations are taking up the sport as well. The largest demographic of pickleball players are aged 55 and above, but there is a growing trend of younger players in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are looking for a fun and social way to stay active. Pickleball is also gaining popularity among children and teenagers, as it can be played in a school or community setting and is a great way to introduce young people to a fun and engaging sport. Overall, with its mix of athleticism, strategy, and social interaction, pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to play with both locals and travelers (from Ohio!) visiting the club. The locals were welcoming and super friendly.
Play All Day with Long Hours at Pickleball Kingdom
One of the best things about playing indoor is that you aren’t limited to the sun coming up nor do you have to lookup to see if the park has lights.
For example, nearby Pickleball Kingdom, I played at Encanto Sports Complex and the lights were ONLY good on one of their courts. More info about Encanto Park open play coming soon
Pickleball kingdom opens at 6am daily and is generally open till 9 or 11pm at night. See the latest hours on their website.
When is Pickleball Open Play at Pickleball Kingdom
There is regularly scheduled open play at Pickleball Kingdom for people of all levels to drop in. Check the calendar on their website for the latest hours.
One of the best things about open play, is there is no guess work on whom you should try to play with. There is a map at the entrance that shows the levels for which courts.
For example, when I was there were two courts dedicated to levels 3.0 to 3.5 and on these two courts, there were additional signs to figure out how to play here.
In addition to the courts being marked, the paddle line up looks a little different than other open play spots I experienced traveling around Phoenix playing pickleball.
At Pickleball Kingdom the paddles are lined up together 4 at a time on hooks. Another thing they do is they have a magnet that helps to indicate which set of paddles is up next – it looks something like this:
Locker Rooms, Showers and More!
Available to you are a full service locker room with showers, day lockers (bring your own lock) and bathrooms. This means if you’re dropping in just for a bit and need a shower before heading out to dinner or another fun tour activity, you have the option to freshen up before you head out.
Coming soon to Pickleball Kingdom: Food and Drinks
They have a limited menu of snacks and drinks (alcoholic beverages as well!), but a mezzanine with viewing area and snack shop are opening soon.
Want to see a full tour of Pickleball Kingdom? Checkout the video below!
Location of Pickleball Kingdom
Pickleball Kingdom is located in Chandler, Arizona about 16 miles or 20 minutes from the airport and 22 miles or 25-30 minutes from Downtown Phoenix.
There is plenty of free parking out front!
Top Things to do Nearby in Chandler Arizona
Located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Chandler, Arizona offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From its thriving tech industry and agricultural roots to its unique events and natural surroundings, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Explore the city’s history and culture at museums and heritage centers, play a round of golf at one of its world-class courses, shop at the Chandler Fashion Center, or attend a concert or show at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Chandler, Arizona has plenty of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Chandler:
- Visit the Arizona Railway Museum – This museum showcases the history of railroading in Arizona, featuring vintage locomotives and railroad cars.
- Explore the KOLI Equestrian Center – Visitors can take guided horseback rides through the desert, enjoy a sunset dinner ride, or attend a rodeo.
- Tour the Arizona Science Center – This interactive science museum is perfect for families and includes exhibits on astronomy, physics, and biology.
- Enjoy a day of golf – Chandler has several championship golf courses, including the Ocotillo Golf Resort and the Whirlwind Golf Club.
- Shop at the Chandler Fashion Center – This large shopping mall features more than 180 stores, a variety of restaurants, and a cinema.
- Hike or bike the San Tan Mountain Regional Park – This park offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as stunning views of the desert.
- Visit the Rawhide Western Town – This Western-themed amusement park features cowboy shows, a petting zoo, and activities such as gold panning and stagecoach rides.
- Attend a concert or show at the Chandler Center for the Arts – This performing arts venue hosts a variety of events, including musical performances, plays, and dance shows.
- Taste local craft beer at the SanTan Brewing Company – This popular brewery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning craft beers.
- Take a hot air balloon ride – Visitors can take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert for a truly memorable experience.
Want to see some of the top traveler rated tours? Click here to see them!
Quick tip!
When booking tours in Chandler and Phoenix, it’s important to book ones with top traveler reviews and are easily refundable if travel plans change.
Weather in Chandler, Arizona
If you’re traveling to Chandler Arizona to play pickleball there is good news and bad news.
The good news is Pickleball Kingdom is indoors and the weather DOES NOT MATTER. However, if you want to enjoy other outdoor activities when you are NOT playing pickleball, there are a few things to consider…
Chandler, Arizona has a hot desert climate with long, extremely hot summers and mild winters. Here is what you can generally expect in terms of monthly weather in Chandler:
- April: Highs around 85°F (29°C), lows around 56°F (13°C), low chance of rain.
- May: Highs around 94°F (34°C), lows around 65°F (18°C), low chance of rain.
- June: Highs around 103°F (39°C), lows around 73°F (23°C), very low chance of rain.
- July: Highs around 106°F (41°C), lows around 79°F (26°C), very low chance of rain.
- August: Highs around 105°F (41°C), lows around 78°F (26°C), very low chance of rain.
- September: Highs around 99°F (37°C), lows around 71°F (22°C), low chance of rain.
It’s important to note that temperatures can vary and occasionally reach above 110°F (43°C) during the hottest months of the year. If you plan on visiting Chandler, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and stay hydrated.
Where to Stay in Phoenix Arizona Area
Phoenix, Arizona is a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions, from scenic desert landscapes to cultural hotspots. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, finding the right accommodations is an essential part of any trip. Fortunately, Phoenix offers a plethora of hotels and accommodations to choose from, with options ranging from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly chain hotels. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect when it comes to hotels and accommodations in Phoenix, Arizona, to help you plan a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
I woke up early so I can take care of the 15 chores my @airbnb host is asking me to do before checkout on this $600 a night place with a 10am checkout 😑 pic.twitter.com/cxWZiIJ2PW
— Christine Lozada (@ChristineLozada) March 26, 2023
On my latest trip I stayed at an Airbnb, which I don’t really recommend (see the tweet above). However, I’ve pulled together the top traveler rated hotels and rentals in the map below.
Discover More Pickleball Destinations in Phoenix and Beyond
Want to see more places to play pickleball in Phoenix? More content coming soon! Here is a preview…
Zoom in and click around on the map below to discover places to play pickleball. Once you’ve found a destination, click on it to find the helpful blog post with helpful tips on how you can play there! Or see all the blog posts by clicking here!
Grab exclusive discounts on pickleball gear!
Aren’t we all looking for some good deals? Discover new products and grab a discount…
Bottom Line
If you are looking to play pickleball in the Phoenix, Arizona area – Pickleball Kingdom is a must. Given the climate of Arizona can be very hot, it offers the ability to play year round. You’ll find open play options as well as lessons, clinics and more at Pickleball Kingdom.
Looking to discover more places in Arizona to play? Stay tuned for more blog posts coming soon!