Join the fastest growing sport at the Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club with Open Pickleball Play Times

IIn 2022, pickleball was officially designated a Washington state sport. This sport has taken the country by storm as more and more people discover the fun, excitement and skills that Pickleball offers. The Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club (STAC) features four indoor tennis courts, two of which have permanent pickleball lines to provide pickleball players with an indoor space to play and connect. Starting in 2023, STAC added two new evening slots to its pickleball open-ended seasons, creating even more opportunities for local players to join in the pickleball action. Pickleball is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 11am, Sunday evening from 6pm to 8pm and Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm. Guests can join for just $10 a day, so newcomers can join in too!

Pickleball is a sport that really brings people together. With fast-paced games and team play, Pickleball is fun for all ages. Pictured left to right: Terri Gushee, Karry Trout, Debbie McGinnis, Mozel Snider Copyright: Natasha Ferrera

A pickleball community in Thurston County

It’s no secret that sports are more challenging year-round in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Rather than changing the weather or being caught out in the rain, pickleball players can escape the elements and play at STAC Indoor. Originally established as a tennis club, STAC is a premier place for tennis players to improve their skills and stay connected. In recent years, STAC has recognized the growing demand for indoor pickleball and has responded by installing permanent pickleball court lines on 2 of its tennis courts. Over the years, STAC has provided locals with 3 consistent morning game times so they can hit the courts and enjoy Pickleball all week long. As the sport has continued to grow, the STAC team stayed ready to expand their hours of operation to better support the needs of their pickleball community.

“We want to serve both groups,” says owner Drake Nicholson. “Pickleball is a family-friendly sport and a fast-paced game. I’ve played tennis my whole life and I see how Pickleball can bring people that same joy and connection.” Drake and his team strive to create a welcoming space where everyone can relax and stay active, which is what the Pickleball -Caused expansion. Pickleball mornings continue to be popular, but unfortunately, the demands of life make them challenging for professionals and parents. After reviewing their schedule, STAC announced 2 brand new seasons, now offered in the evenings, to encourage greater access to Pickleball. Now the club has guaranteed pickleball on Sunday and Monday nights every week. Open to guests and members, everyone is invited to jump in and enjoy this fast-paced sport.

Stay active and connected with STAC Pickleball

With two courts featuring permanent pickleball lines, the Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club has created a guaranteed place for pickleball players to improve their game and stay connected. Photo credit: Heather L Dyson

Many hobbies and social circles were lost during the pandemic as people stayed in quarantine. Now that we’re out of this, people are eager to get back to their normal lives and find new activities and connections. Pickleball invites people of all ages, levels and backgrounds, making it a perfect way to stay in shape while making new friends in the process. STAC pickleball players have truly found a home away from home on the courts and are excited for pickleball to have a place in the club and local community.

STAC player Terri Gushee is excited to have found a new way to move and meet people. After many months of tennis, she recently joined the pickleball players during a Christmas campaign called Advent Pickleball, which introduced evening pickleball play for the first time. “I started playing after reading the STAC newsletter about the promotion,” she recalls. “The day and time suited my schedule and it was a bonus that non-members could come by. I sent it to a group of friends as an alternative to our normal after work activities of going home and watching TV.” As a newcomer to the sport, Terri was amazed at how quickly the game can be picked up and picked up. The club has always been a source of relaxation, but now with the expanded pickleball lessons it’s become an even better social outlet as it builds new relationships and strengthens old friendships.

In addition to open pickleball times, the Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club pickleball courts can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance.
Copyright: Natasha Ferrera

STAC player June Nourse has had a similar experience in the STAC pickleball community. She started playing pickleball in 2017 when her 55+ community offered free lessons with her own teacher, who was 80 himself. After June 2021 joined the club, she quickly discovered a whole new community to use for camaraderie and friendship. “The best thing about pickleball is the social aspects,” she shares. “It includes all ages from young to old, so everyone can play together. It fosters great friendships and social connections and provides excellent practice and training for all abilities.” From staff to members, the STAC community provides a helpful and friendly place for pickleball players throughout Thurston County to have fun all week long staying active and social.

Dive into Pickleball at STAC

With expanded pickleball times, STAC offers both experienced and new players every opportunity to get involved. No pre-registration is required, so members and guests can drop by when it suits them. Stop by the club during open hours and experience the fun and community of Pickleball for yourself!

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