Co-owner Tony Bender said when he and his partners Tim Vogel and John Engelhardt purchased the land where The Pickleball Zone resides today, they intended to open a warehouse facility. However, after discussing their plans with friends, they realized the community lacked a space for pickleball. According to The USA Pickleball court location database, 2024 saw increased focus and growth on facility services with 4,000 new locations added nationwide.
With community in mind, Bender and his business partners founded The Pickleball Zone, a pickleball facility that offers an elevated experience for pickleball enthusiasts and locals alike. The facility features 10 indoor courts and 3,000 square feet of common space featuring a bar, TVs and leather couches. Officials said the venue’s bar—Bar 365—is named for Porter’s ZIP code: 77365.
The facility also offers golf simulators, pickleball classes and holds events such as birthday parties and community events. On Fridays, the facility alternates between karaoke and live music performed by local artists, and offers food provided by local restaurant Jesse’s Burgers.
Up next, The Pickleball Zone plans to launch a corn hole series in February in collaboration with the Texas Cornhole Association, Bender said.
At The Pickleball Zone, customers can rent a court for $40 per hour. (Courtesy The Pickleball Zone)
What else?
Although Bender said he did not play pickleball prior to opening The Pickleball Zone, he is now in love with the sport and the community aspect of it.
"It's such a community sport, you are so close to your competitors and your teammates, and you're constantly rotating partners, so you get to meet a lot of people,” Bender said.
With memberships ranging from $50-$239 per month, The Pickleball Zone also offers two free introductory classes on Mondays and Fridays.
In addition, with over 10,000 visitors during its first year serving Porter, Bender said there are endless networking opportunities and social connections at the venue.
The Pickleball Zone focuses on supporting Addi's Faith Foundation, a cancer research nonprofit founded by Bender and his wife. (Courtesy The Pickleball Zone)
While the facility supports several local organizations, The Pickleball Zone focuses on supporting Addi's Faith Foundation, a cancer research nonprofit founded by Bender and his wife, and named after Bender's late daughter.
“My wife and I are very involved in the community because we lost our daughter 18 years ago to a brain tumor, and we have a foundation that helps provide financial support for families that have a child with cancer,” Bender said.
So far, Bender said The Pickleball Zone has raised $1 million over the last 12 months and donated $3 million to MD Anderson research. In addition, the facility holds an annual pickleball tournament in July to raise money for Addi's Faith Foundation.
