Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, with an average growth rate over the past three years of 158.6 percent, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. The number of pickleball players in the U.S. now totals 36.5 million. Combining elements of tennis, ping pong and badminton, pickleball is a paddle sport with two or four players playing at one time. It is played both indoors and outdoors, on a court that measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
The indoor pickleball facility, which features eight pickleball courts, a restaurant and bar and plenty of TVs and couches, has been open for over a month now, and the news is spreading quickly that they’re in full swing.
There are currently several locations in Mount Pleasant with pickleball courts, but the sport’s surging popularity has led to increased demand. The newly-opened Crush Yard, located in North Mount Pleasant off South Morgan Road, is a pickleball player’s dream come true. Crush Yard is almost like Top Golf meets Frankie’s Fun Park, but for pickleball players. The indoor pickleball facility, which features eight pickleball courts, a restaurant and bar and plenty of TVs and couches, has been open for over a month now, and the news is spreading quickly that they’re in full swing.
“We are an entertainment space. You don’t have to be a member to come in and experience the atmosphere,” said General Manager Dessa Paul. You don’t have to be a member to play at Crush Yard, but if you are a member then you will receive a discount on court rentals during public hours and access to book their courts ahead of time. Reservations are suggested during peak time hours, but you can walk in anytime and play subject to court availability.
There are two different types of memberships. A Crush Membership is $115 per month and the benefits include unlimited open play between 6-11 a.m. every day. Additionally, you can buy up to 10 ‘Member Open Play’ guest passes per month for $9 each, enjoy unlimited coffee and soft drinks, reserve courts up to four weeks in advance, Sunday through Thursday, at a 50 percent discount and receive a 20 percent discount on retail purchases, equipment rentals, tournaments, camps, classes and lessons. You can also participate in leagues at no additional cost.
The Yard Membership is available for those that are less intense about the game, but still want to fully enjoy all of Crush Yard’s amenities. A Yard membership costs $7.45 per month and the benefits include: unlimited coffee and soft drinks, the ability to reserve courts up to two weeks in advance Sunday through Thursday at a 10 percent discount as well as getting one 10 percent discount on retail purchases and equipment rentals.
The pricing to play varies. From 6-11 a.m., Crush members can enjoy free open play. There are no reservations required and Crush members can play as much as they’d like. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. court reservations are open to all and the cost is $19 per hour for Crush members, $34 per hour for Yard members and $38 per hour for all others.
Don’t know how to play or need a refresher on the fundamentals of the game? Crush Yard has a pickleball pro who teaches lessons. “We have an in-house pro. His name is Dan, he does lessons and classes every week. He will run leagues and tournaments as well,” explained Paul. Dan offers private lessons, which start at $100. For two people it’s $120, three people is $130 and four people costs $140.
Crush Yard is a place where everyone can lounge, eat, drink and have a great time. Enjoy the two-level, loft-style open layout lounge area. Waiting for a court to open? Don’t sweat it, Crush Yard features 36 beers, nine wines and three cocktails, all on tap. Plus, they even have an Espresso Martini draft.
Their food menu reads like a tapas bar, with lots of shareable plates and tasty dishes. Come in, reserve your court and while you wait, place your food order. Crush Yard does have an app to download, which they highly recommend. It is a great spot to entertain your guests, a place to throw a party or even to host an intimate dinner with your closest friends, while mixing in some pickleball.
For more information about hours, membership information or court reservations, check them out at crushyard.com.
By Maurice J. Frazier
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