A high end mall offering free pickleball? We’ve all seen the headlines of pickleball taking over malls.
In this post learn what pickleball at The Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla is like!
How to Play Free Pickleball at UTC Mall La Jolla
How does it work to play pickleball here? At the UTC mall, you can play from sunrise to sundown, all day.
It’s open play, which means you don’t have to pay anything, but it’s BYO equipment (they provide the nets).
Also, you have to bring your own team of players, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekday when there’s a lower turnout.
Remember, though it’s a mall, parking is free – unless, of course, you choose to valet your car.
All you need to do is arrive, set up, and start playing.
What’s the Pickleball Setup at UTC Westfield Mall
The mall has taken an innovative approach to create a pickleball-friendly space. They’ve put up nets to prevent balls from going outside the mezzanine area.
However, the court is on concrete, so be ready for some knee stress if you’re used to playing on standard pickleball outdoor court surfaces.
Also, the mall uses traffic barriers to divide the courts, which aren’t the most effective against stray balls.
Additionally, given that we’re on the mezzanine and outside, wind becomes a formidable adversary, especially as we’re playing with wiffle balls.
But despite these minor hurdles, it’s a fun setup. It’s unique, it’s free, and it’s pickleball!
How to Play Pickleball at UTC Mall
This venture at UTC mall offers an interesting way to enjoy pickleball, especially if you’re in the area. Just bring your own gear and your own team and you’re ready to go.
But remember, playing pickleball at UTC is more than just a game. It’s an experience, especially with the mall’s facilities like restrooms, restaurants, and shops at your disposal. You can even schedule a lunch at Din Tai Fung or shop around afterwards, making your visit a blend of sport and leisure.
Trend of Pickleball Taking Over Indoor Spaces
From the old Old Navy Building to Bed Bath and Beyond, pickleball is spreading its wings. Even in San Diego’s North County, Sears has been replaced with the Carlsbad pickleball club.
Weather is a major factor in this trend. While San Diego enjoys great weather all year round, not all places are as lucky. In South Florida’s heavy rains or Utah’s snow, indoor pickleball becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
Although there can be challenges such as low ceilings or inappropriate lighting, the concept is evolving fast. Bigger spaces like UTC mall or the old Bed Bath and Beyond store offer more headroom and, often, a different kind of challenge with open spaces and outdoor conditions.
Discover More Pickleball Destinations
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!
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Bottom Line
The Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla offers a unique, free pickleball experience from sunrise to sundown. Participants must bring their own equipment and team.
The mall provides nets and has innovatively set up the court in a mezzanine area with traffic barriers dividing the courts. However, the concrete surface may cause knee stress and wind can affect play.
Beyond the sport, the mall’s amenities such as restaurants and shops add a blend of leisure, making it not just a game but an enjoyable experience.
Want to see what this experience is like? Check out the full tour in the video below!