Pickleball Continues to grow in Minnesota

From small towns to larger cities, the pickleball craze is sweeping Minnesota. Of course this should be no surprise as since the sport saw 13.6 million players participate in pickleball during 2023. Here is a closer look at which are the top places to play pickleball in Minnesota based on TeachMe.To's data.

Brooklyn Park

​Brooklyn Park emerges as the undisputed leader in the Minnesota pickleball scene, with 38.46% of the state's coaches and 50% of the coaching lessons being booked in this city. Brooklyn Park is a hub for pickleball enthusiasts, particularly at the Pickle in the Middle indoor facility, which has become a central spot for players looking to improve their skills.

Roseville

​Roseville ranks second with 15.38% of the state's pickleball coaches and 13.64% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked. The Evergreen Park venue plays a key role in this city's pickleball scene. Though the percentage of coaching lessons booked is lower than Brooklyn Park's, it still reflects a solid commitment to the sport within the community.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis, known for its vibrant sports culture, is also making its mark on the pickleball scene. With 15.38% of the state's coaches and 9.09% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked, Minneapolis shows a balanced growth in both coaching availability and player engagement. The Lucky Shots indoor facility is at the heart of this movement, providing a space for players to train and hone their skills.

Lakeville

Lakeville is another city where pickleball is steadily growing. An estimated 15% of the coaches and 9.09% of the state's pickleball coaching lessons are booked here. Dodd Trail Park is a popular spot for local pickleball players. Since this is a local park owned by the city of Lakeville, it is absolutely free and reservations are not required. As more residents play the sport, it's likely that the demand for coaching and structured play will continue to grow in Lakeville.

Rochester and Mendota Heights

​Rochester and Mendota Heights both account for 7.69% of the state's coaches and 9.09% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked. Rochester's Chip Shots and Mendota Heights' Heights Racquet and Social Club serve as focal points for the sport in these areas. While these communities may have fewer coaches and lessons compared to larger cities, the players in Rochester and Mendota Heights are very passionate about the sport. These cities are fostering tight-knit pickleball communities, where players are likely to know each other well and share a strong sense of camaraderie.

The future for pickleball in Minnesota

The data paints a clear picture of how popular pickleball is in Minnesota. The sport is also becoming increasingly organized and structured. A new facility called Center Court Pickleball Club recently announced its latest location opening next month in Glendale, located in the northern part of the state. This means more availability for new players across the state.

As pickleball continues to gain popularity across Minnesota, the availability of coaching and the demand for lessons are likely to increase. This trend will help elevate the level of play across the state, turning casual players into seasoned competitors. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there's no doubt that Minnesota offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in the exciting world of pickleball.