
Popularity in pickleball grew during the pandemic, and developers are confident enthusiasm for the sport is here to stay. Smash Park, an Iowa-based entertainment venue company, is building its first of two Twin Cities venues about a mile north of Roseville Center. According to an announcement from the company, the massive Smash Park site will include about 30,000 square feet of indoor space slotted for pickleball courts, ax throwing, bowling, karaoke booths, live music, and food and drink. It will also feature an additional 15,000 square feet of outdoor patio space and a rooftop bar. Meanwhile, Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies recently broke ground on Pints and Paddle, a 40,000-square-foot indoor pickleball venue scheduled to open in fall 2023. The Maple Grove compound will offer 10 indoor pickleball courts, casual dining, and pour-your-own beer and wine on tap.