Atlanta's West End is poised to become home to its first dedicated pickleball facility as Dill Dinkers, a rapidly growing pickleball franchise, secures a lease for a 35,891-square-foot space at the 1200 White Street development. This new club, expected to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Dill Dinkers' first location in the metro Atlanta area, underscoring both the sport's increasing popularity and the company's strategic growth.
The facility will be part of the larger 211,585-square-foot mixed-use development at 1200 White Street, which is being redeveloped to include retail, restaurants, creative offices, and experiential concepts. Its proximity to the Atlanta Westside BeltLine was a key factor in Dill Dinkers' decision to choose this location, as noted by Daniel Hardeman, Regional Developer for Dill Dinkers. Dill Dinkers aims to foster community connections through its state-of-the-art facility, which will feature Pro-Cushion® court surfaces, individually fenced courts, event space, and a pro shop.
Evan Ziegler, President of Investments for Ackerman & Co., highlighted the significance of Dill Dinkers' arrival to the West End community, noting the sport's surge in popularity and the club's potential to offer a fun recreational option. The addition of Dill Dinkers to the West End is seen as a reflection of the area's growing appeal as a destination for diverse businesses and retailers, further enriching the neighborhood's vibrant mix of offerings.
Pickleball's rise from a casual pastime to a structured and commercially viable activity is evident in the opening of dedicated facilities like Dill Dinkers. The Atlanta location will not only serve as a flagship club for the franchise but also as a training center for franchisees, with the company actively exploring additional locations across Atlanta. This expansion signals a bullish outlook on pickleball's future in the region and its potential to act as an economic driver by attracting players from across the metro area and boosting foot traffic for neighboring businesses.
