Smashing Pickle to Open at The Alley in Elk Grove

A New Addition to Elk Grove’s Entertainment Scene

Elk Grove, a vibrant suburban city, is set to welcome a new addition to its entertainment and sports scene. The Alley, a well-established sports and entertainment center, will soon be incorporating an indoor pickleball court into its existing lineup of activities. This facility already offers a wide range of options for visitors, including axe throwing, billiards, an arcade, a restaurant, a beer garden, and a playground area for children.

The 75,000-square-foot space, located at 3443 Laguna Blvd., first opened in 2009 with the goal of becoming a premier family destination for residents of Elk Grove and neighboring areas. Now, it's expanding its offerings to include one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States—pickleball.

The Expansion: Indoor and Outdoor Courts

According to representatives from The Alley, the facility will feature four indoor regulation-sized pickleball courts operated by the Smashing Pickle, along with two additional outdoor courts currently in development. The indoor courts are expected to be ready in August, marking the official opening of the Smashing Pickle, Elk Grove’s newest indoor pickleball club.

“We’re excited to announce that the Smashing Pickle, Elk Grove’s newest indoor pickleball club, is scheduled to open in early August,” said a spokesperson for The Alley. “Our facility is located within the Elk Grove Sports Center at 3443 Laguna Blvd and spans approximately 12,500 square feet.”

Membership Options and Pricing

To access the pickleball courts, members can choose between monthly or yearly memberships. A monthly membership costs $99 and includes unlimited play, but only 250 memberships will be available. For those who prefer a longer commitment, a yearly membership is priced at $990.

For those who aren’t interested in a membership, drop-in sessions will still be available for $20 during certain times. This flexibility ensures that both casual players and serious enthusiasts can enjoy the sport.

Community Focus and Unique Experience

Operations manager Leigh Dias shared her excitement about the new addition, stating, “We are really excited to create a fun, community-feel environment.” She emphasized that food and beverage options will be available through The Alley, which is just on the other side of the wall inside the facility.

Dias also highlighted the unique approach of the Smashing Pickle, noting that the concept has been in the works for over a year. “We've always loved sports, played plenty of them, but pickleball stands out. It's accessible, competitive, and brings people together in a way that's hard to match.”

Future Plans and Events

In addition to the courts, the facility plans to offer recreational and competitive leagues, tournaments, and tutorial clinics. These events will provide opportunities for players of all skill levels to engage with the sport and each other.

Court reservations and event registrations will be managed through the CourtReserve platform, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for members. Dias explained that the Smashing Pickle will primarily operate as a member-based club with limited walk-in availability. “That's intentional. It allows us to preserve court availability, maintain a high-quality experience, and ensure that every member feels like part of something special.”

Growth of Pickleball in the Sacramento Region

Over the last decade, pickleball has grown significantly as a recreational sport, especially in the Sacramento region. More facilities and courts have emerged, welcoming athletes of all levels. In the past five months alone, several new pickleball courts have been announced or opened, including those at the renewed luxury fitness center Lifetime Arden, Rancho Cordova's indoor pickleball facility The Picklr, and Elk Grove's soon-to-open CORE Recreation Center, which includes two full gyms with courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.

A Boutique Experience

From the beginning, The Alley envisioned a space that felt more like a community than a complex. “Not the biggest venue, but intentionally designed to be boutique, vibrant, and personal, more like walking into your best friend's house than a massive facility,” said Dias.

The Smashing Pickle is expected to open in early August and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. This new addition promises to bring a fresh, engaging experience to Elk Grove’s growing sports and entertainment landscape.